Extent of Inclusion of "Rural" in Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans in the United States

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Control
• Rural Health Disparities

Background:

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program mandates cancer control plans (CCCPs) from states, territories, and tribal organizations.
• A 2019 recommendation urged CCCPs to address rural cancer disparities.
• This study evaluated the integration of "rural" considerations within these plans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent to which "rural" was incorporated into comprehensive cancer control plans.
• To identify specific elements within CCCPs that addressed rural populations and disparities.

Main Methods:

• A review of 66 comprehensive cancer control plans (CCCPs) was conducted.
• Inclusion of rural aspects was assessed across seven elements: data, disparities, population description, definition, goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Plans were categorized by type (state vs. territory/tribal), and state plans were further analyzed based on rural population percentage and mortality rates.

Main Results:

• 45 out of 66 CCCPs mentioned "rural" in at least one element.
• Reduction of cancer disparities was the most frequently addressed rural element.
• Less than one-third of all plans included rural-specific strategies, though states with higher rural cancer mortality rates were more likely to have such strategies.

Conclusions:

• While many cancer control plans acknowledge rural areas, the inclusion of specific strategies for rural populations remains limited.
• Enhanced technical and financial support is recommended to improve rural data integration and strategy development within CCCPs.