Application of Spatial Methods in Rural Cancer Control Research in the United States

TL;DR

This paper reviews how spatial methods can help address cancer disparities in rural U.S. areas by guiding policies and interventions.

Contribution

The paper highlights recent adaptations of spatial methods, such as telehealth and hospital closure impacts, in rural cancer control.

Findings

Spatial methods now include telehealth's role in measuring accessibility in rural cancer control.

Multilevel regression models consider rural hospital closures' impact with spatial factors.

Small area estimation techniques are being innovated to better inform interventions.

Abstract

The 66 million Americans who live in rural areas experience notable cancer disparities. It is imperative to examine the spatial elements of these disparities to know how to best target policies and interventions. Our review summarizes spatial methods in rural cancer control research.

Spatial methods relevant for rural cancer control research range from identifying patterns to spatial accessibility to regression approaches. Recent applications have adapted to the new rural health landscape by considering the role of telehealth in spatial accessibility measures and the impact of rural hospital closures in multilevel regression modeling with spatial considerations. Further, research continues to innovate on small area estimation techniques to provide useful risk factor and burden estimates to inform interventions.

As rural cancer disparities persist, it is critical that researchers continue to develop and adapt spatial methods that will best inform policies and interventions to reduce these disparities.