Better and Faster Care for Rural Lung and Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients

Improving the Timeliness and Quality of Care for Rural Lung and Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11125821

This project aims to help rural patients with lung and head-and-neck cancers get quicker and better care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11125821 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Patients in rural areas often face challenges like long travel distances and fewer treatment options, which can delay their cancer care. These delays can lead to worse health outcomes and more distress. This project focuses on improving how quickly and effectively lung and head-and-neck cancer patients in rural Rocky Mountain states receive their treatment. We plan to use a special program called CARES (Cancer Advocacy, Resources Education, and Support) to address the unique difficulties faced by these underserved patients. By implementing CARES at key moments during treatment, we hope to make a significant difference in their care journey.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are underserved patients with lung or head-and-neck cancer living in rural and frontier counties, particularly in the Rocky Mountain States.

Not a fit: Patients without lung or head-and-neck cancer, or those living in urban areas, would not directly benefit from this specific program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help rural lung and head-and-neck cancer patients receive more timely and higher-quality treatment, potentially leading to better health outcomes and reduced distress.

How similar studies have performed: The CARES intervention is being applied to target specific factors in this population, suggesting it's a known approach adapted for this context.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer PatientCancer AdvocacyCancer PatientCancer TreatmentCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.