Referrals among cancer services organizations serving underserved cancer patients in an urban area

Am J Public Health. 2011 Jul;101(7):1248-52. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2010.300017. Epub 2011 May 12.

Abstract

Significant racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities exist nationwide in cancer screenings, treatments, and outcomes. Differences in health and social service provision and utilization may contribute to or exacerbate these disparities. We evaluated the composition and structure of a referral network of organizations providing services to underserved cancer patients in an urban area in 2007. We observed a need for increased awareness building among provider organizations, broader geographic coverage among organizations, and increased utilization of tobacco cessation and financial assistance services.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Medically Underserved Area*
  • Missouri
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data