Understanding and Overcoming Disparity in Care of Breast Cancer Patients in Rural British Columbia

Patients living in rural BC face geographical inequalities in cancer care delivery and research. We have recently demonstrated a worse breast cancer survival for patients in rural BC. A gap exists in understanding, from patients and the health care system, the disparities in the care of breast cancer patients in rural BC.

The plan is to establish a research and training program with collaborative research in partnership with patients, health care practitioners, research scientists and program leaders involved in cancer care in the North. The program will involve patient informed research methodologies and prospective clinical trials. The plan is to also work collaboratively with the Indigenous breast cancer population in rural BC to develop a respectful and integrated holistic treatment strategy. KT activities will include patient education forums, CME events and updates to the BC Cancer policies.

Anticipated outcome include involvement of breast cancer trainees in the program. Novel and effective models of cancer survivorship care. Increased enrollment of rural patients into clinical research and trials. The impact would be a systemic approach to improve equitable delivery of BrCa care leading to improved outcomes in rural BC.