RESEARCH · TRAINING · ADVOCACY · COMMUNITY
Closing the Rural Cancer Gap
An independent research and advocacy organization working toward a future where every rural American facing cancer receives equitable care.
Supporting rural cancer providers and the rural communities they serve
Rural Americans are being left behind
U.S. cancer mortality has improved for two decades, but rural communities have not kept pace. The rural cancer gap is widening.
Long travel distances
Specialty cancer care is often hours away.
Limited broadband
Telehealth is out of reach for many households.
Fewer resources
Thinner public health and specialty infrastructure.
72%
of rural oncologists are 50 or older
79%
of nonmetro U.S. counties have no oncologist
Too few rural oncologists, and many are nearing retirement.
Source: Burchim et al., WWAMI Rural Health Research Center, 2025 (2022 data)
The gap is growing, not closing
Excess rural cancer deaths per 100,000 (rural minus urban rate), 1999 to 2019
Source: Curtin SC, Spencer MR. NCHS Data Brief No. 417, 2021.
4.7×
wider rural gap in 2019 than in 1999
4.5 → 21.3
excess rural cancer deaths per 100,000 people
Urban rates fell 29%.
Rural rates fell 20%.
Who we are
Shedding light on rural cancer disparities and championing solutions that close the gap
OUR MISSION
Shed light on the disparities in cancer care affecting rural communities and champion innovative solutions to close the gap.
OUR VISION
A future where every rural American facing cancer receives equitable health care, with no one left behind.
Founded 2022 · Independent 501(c)(3) public charity
Research
Peer-reviewed studies and a student fellowship that put rural data on the record.
Research & Fellowship →Training
CORE brings oncology trainees into real rural practice.
CORE →Advocacy
State and federal policy work plus Rural Cancer Awareness Day.
Advocacy →Community
Newspaper columns, patient stories and the Rural Oncology Conference.
Rural Health Column →WHAT WE'RE BUILDING
From the clinic to the capitol
TRAINING
CORE: training rural oncologists
The Clinical Oncology Rural Experience is a state-funded path to rural practice, piloted at Lakewood Health System in Staples, Minnesota.
Learn about CORE →ADVOCACY
A voice where policy is made
Turning rural evidence into policy on prior authorization reform, the rural oncology workforce and awareness.
See our policy work →ROC '27 · REGISTRATION OPEN
The Rural Oncology Conference
April 30 to May 1, 2027 · Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Keynote: Monica Bertagnolli, MD.
Conference details →Rural Cancer Awareness Day is every June 4. Governors across the country have proclaimed the day in their states.
Learn more →Join the Movement.
Power the Mission.
Transform Rural Cancer Care.
Make an impact today
Support our mission by contributing a donation or visit our get involved tab.
CONTACT
