Understanding how location and health policies affect cancer care
Geospatial drivers of cancer care disparities and their susceptibility to health policy changes
This project looks at how where people live and health policies impact cancer care for those with solid organ cancers, especially in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124831 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand why some people with solid organ cancers receive different care based on where they live and their financial situation. We want to see how factors like living in a rural area or having lower income might affect when cancer is found and how it's treated. We are also exploring if recent changes in health policies, like the Affordable Care Act, have made a difference in cancer care for these communities. By using information from state cancer registries, we hope to find ways to improve care for everyone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project uses existing data from cancer registries, so patients with solid organ malignancies who have received care in rural or socioeconomically vulnerable communities are relevant to the data being studied.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer care is not affected by geographic location or socioeconomic factors may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help shape policies and programs to reduce inequalities in cancer care, ensuring more patients receive timely and effective treatment regardless of their location or income.
How similar studies have performed: While disparities in cancer care are known, this project specifically explores the upstream geospatial and policy influences, which are less understood, making this approach novel in its focus.
Where this research is happening
Lebanon, United States
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic — Lebanon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loehrer, Andrew Phillip — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Loehrer, Andrew Phillip
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.