Improving rural healthcare through increased cancer screenings

Delaware’s population is continuously growing, but our hospitals and clinics are struggling to keep pace with rising demands. Limited facilities, high costs and a stretched healthcare workforce have left rural communities especially vulnerable. One way we can ease the burden on our healthcare system and improve health outcomes for Delawareans is to make preventive care, especially routine cancer screenings, a priority in our communities.

During my service on the Delaware House Health & Human Development Committee and the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition advisory board, I saw the physical, emotional and financial toll cancer takes on families. Many people put off necessary testing until symptoms appear, often when cancer has already begun to spread. When we encourage regular screening, we can catch disease earlier and improve outcomes.

Emphasizing routine testing among rural populations is especially important. Fewer facilities and medical professionals are available in rural communities, resulting in longer wait times that make it difficult for patients to see a specialist. In turn, if patients only schedule screenings when they notice an irregularity, it may take multiple weeks or months to get an appointment, allowing cancer to grow untreated.

Colorectal cancer is among the most common types of cancer, but it is highly treatable when caught early. In Delaware, it ranks as the fourth most common and deadliest cancer, but has an encouraging 91% survival rate when caught early. In 2016, I sponsored Senate Joint Resolution Seven that established March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and pledged to achieve 80% compliance with colorectal cancer screenings by 2018. However, nearly a decade later, only 66% of Delaware residents are regularly tested for colorectal cancer today.

Delaware is not alone. One in three people – over 50 million Americans – are overdue for colorectal cancer screenings across the U.S. Many people put off testing because they believe it to be invasive or uncomfortable. Additionally, standard testing options are viewed as time-consuming, making it difficult for those with demanding work and life schedules to take time off to get screened. For the nearly 25% of Delaware residents living in rural areas, these difficulties are compounded by barriers such as limited access to healthcare facilities and inadequate transportation options.

To address these challenges, I am glad there are now innovative options for screening like Shield, the first FDA-approved blood test for colorectal cancer screening. The test is recommended as a primary screening option for those aged 45 and older at average risk. Since it only requires a simple blood draw and no prep or additional time off, this blood test can help alleviate some of the traditional barriers to screening. With easier screening, testing compliance can increase, and cancer rates can hopefully decrease.

Sussex County is my home. I want to see that my neighbors are happy and healthy, receiving the care they need. By expanding healthcare options, we enhance access to care for our rural residents. I encourage all Delawareans to speak with their doctor to learn about testing options available to them. Whether it is colorectal cancer, breast cancer, or cervical cancer, regular tests are encouraged because they can help doctors catch symptoms early before they develop into more aggressive forms of cancer. Prioritizing preventive care is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t wait until it’s too late.