Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Care

Rural patient populations experience increased morbidity and mortality from lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Lung cancer screening with low-dose chest CT reduces lung cancer deaths, yet rural patient populations experience barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The authors review challenges and opportunities across the continuum of multidisciplinary lung cancer care in rural communities. Specific focus is placed on innovative and scalable care delivery models, particularly those relevant to radiologists and radiation oncologists. Emerging strategies to address lung cancer care disparities in access include mobile low-dose lung cancer screening units, quality improvement initiatives, enhanced community engagement, and multimodal telehealth outreach. Leveraging community assets and multidisciplinary care models will help ensure that rural patient populations diagnosed with lung cancer achieve the best possible outcomes.