Access Issues in Treating Gliomas: Solutions for Patients Around the Mountain Region

“We draw patients from Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Eastern Nevada, even northern New Mexico. Patients are often traveling a long distance to get their care,” Dr. Sarah Menacho, a neurosurgeon at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, tells SurvivorNet.

“The good news is we’ve made a lot of changes over the last few years to help mitigate that as much as possible…we can find a local hospital with a radiation center that can actually carry out those treatments so the patient can have treatment closer to home. So it’s our Huntsman Cancer Institute, neuro-oncology treatment plan, but it’s being carried out at the closest hospital to that patient.”

Geographic Barriers & Long Travel Distances

One of the most significant challenges for cancer patients in the Mountain West is the sheer distance to major cancer centers.

Unlike densely populated areas with multiple specialized treatment options nearby, the Mountain region is characterized by vast rural landscapes and rugged terrain. Many patients must travel hundreds of miles to reach a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, such as the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, the University of Colorado Cancer Center in Aurora, or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle (for patients in the northern part of the region).

Long-distance travel for treatment poses several obstacles, including:

• Physical and Emotional Strain: Cancer treatment often involves multiple visits, including surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care. Frequent long trips can be exhausting, especially for patients already weakened by their illness.
• Weather-Related Travel Issues: The Mountain region experiences harsh winters, which can make travel dangerous or impossible due to snowstorms, icy roads, and flight cancellations.
• Transportation Barriers: Not all patients have access to a personal vehicle, and public transportation options are limited or nonexistent in many rural areas.
• Limited Availability of Specialized Care

As Dr. Menacho points out, though, modern technology provides opportunities for local hospitals and oncology clinics to collaborate with major cancer centers.

Seeking care at a local hospital may be limiting for a number of reasons — there may be a lack of specialists who have experience treating the specific cancer you have, patients may not have access to clinical trials, and the medical technology may not be up-to-date.

Yet many patients can not afford to travel long-distances. Other costs associated with traveling to receive care include travel and lodging, insurance issues, lost wages and employment difficulties if the patient needs to be away for a long time, and more.

But fortunately, there are resources that patients can turn to to overcome some of these logistical and financial hurdles.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

Despite these obstacles, there are several resources patients can explore to help ensure they are accessing top-tier cancer care, including the following.

Financial Assistance Programs

Many cancer centers and nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance to help with travel, lodging, and treatment costs.

Some options include:

• The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge (provides free lodging near cancer centers)
• Corporate Angel Network (free flights for cancer patients through empty seats on corporate planes)
• National Cancer Institute’s Travel Assistance Programs
• Hospital-based financial aid programs (many major cancer centers offer grants or reduced-cost lodging for long-distance patients)

Telemedicine and Remote Consultation

Many major cancer centers now offer virtual consultations, allowing patients to receive expert opinions without traveling. While telemedicine cannot replace in-person treatments, it can provide:

• Second opinions on diagnosis and treatment plans
• Follow-up care without requiring in-person visits
• Guidance on whether a trip to the cancer center is necessary

Patients should ask their oncologists about telemedicine options and whether certain aspects of care can be handled remotely.

Patient Advocacy Groups

Organizations such as the National Brain Tumor Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and CancerCare provide resources, emotional support, and guidance on navigating treatment challenges.

Connecting with other patients in similar situations can also help reduce the emotional burden.

Patient Navigators

Many hospitals and cancer centers offer patient navigators or social workers who can assist with logistics, including:

• Coordinating referrals and insurance approvals
• Finding local treatment options when travel isn’t feasible
• Arranging transportation and lodging support

Patients should inquire whether their hospital or cancer center has a patient navigation program.

Regional Cancer Centers

While NCI-designated centers provide the highest level of care, some regional hospitals have partnerships with these institutions, allowing patients to receive expert-guided care closer to home. Patients should ask their oncologist about:

• Satellite locations of major cancer centers
• Shared-care agreements between local hospitals and research institutions
• Regional oncology networks that provide high-quality care without requiring long-distance travel

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What are the benefits of seeking care at a major cancer center?
• Are there programs I can make use of for things like travel and lodging assistance?
• Can some of my appointments be done via telemedicine?
• Will my insurance cover treatment if I have to travel?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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