[How cancer drives my life: Urban sprawl, mobility and the continuum of care]

Individuals with cancer undergo frequent treatments, requiring regular travel to healthcare facilities, which can pose significant challenges, particularly in rural and remote areas. The effects of cancer and its treatments on driving ability further complicate these journeys, impacting the continuity of care and increasing the burden on caregivers. A literature review was conducted to summarize and describe current knowledge regarding the mobility of individuals undergoing oncology treatments, aiming to better understand the impact of healthcare accessibility related to road networks on their treatment. Based on a search in PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL, 22 studies out of 641 were retained according to criteria that included transport and oncology. The results show that rural patients must travel longer distances to access specialized care, leading to time constraints, high costs, and discomfort. The lack of adapted transportation or caregivers exacerbates these challenges. In Canada, urban populations have better access to treatments compared to rural populations. However, studies on mobility in oncology remain limited, restricting the applicability of findings to the realities of individuals undergoing oncology treatment. A deeper understanding of these issues is essential to develop tailored solutions, such as improving road infrastructure and transportation services, to optimize access to care for individuals with cancer and their caregivers.