Ronald Chen
Ronald Chen/LinkedIn

Ronald Chen: Access to Cancer Care Should Never Be Out of Reach

Ronald Chen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

Imagine needing cancer care and realizing it’s out of reach.

Here are two issues many people face when it comes to access – two things that we’re constantly thinking about and solving at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

1. Access to a disease specialist who can provide the right treatment plan for a patient

This has become easier thanks to telehealth. Many patients, wherever they live, can access expert recommendations and consultation through telehealth – even with a simple telephone call.

However, people have to be aware that this is available and know how to schedule a telehealth consultation.

2. Access to treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery or radiation

This is a problem we continue to tackle. Sometimes, people live far away from the facilities that offer the necessary kinds of cancer treatments. So we are constantly working to come up with solutions to help with transportation, housing, work and more.

These are challenges that our rural patients are facing, and every barrier we remove brings them closer to the care and best outcomes they deserve.”

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