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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health screening

Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up
Report examining the effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are common in well water in rural areas and have been linked to adverse health effects including cancer, thyroid dysfunction, changes in cholesterol, and reductions in birth weight. Recommends that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health departments support clinicians in communities where PFAS contamination has been identified, by creating educational materials on PFAS exposure, potential health effects, the limitations of testing, and the benefits and harms of testing.
Additional links: Read Online
Author(s): Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Achieving Excellence in Cancer Diagnosis Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief
Highlights discussions from a virtual workshop focused on improving cancer diagnosis. Includes information on addressing disparities in diagnosis and access to care, including disparities for rural populations. Features a cancer screening and diagnosis program serving rural Appalachia, describing the challenges faced and strategies used, including the use of a mobile screening unit.
Author(s): Board on Health Care Services
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Health Care Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Race and Social Determinants of Health among Adults Age ≥ 58 years in the REGARDS Study
Presents results of a survey of Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study participants about their experiences with SARS-CoV-2 testing and access to care. Presents data on COVID-19 testing, symptoms of COVID-19 without a diagnosis, and changes to access to care by participant characteristics, including rural and urban residence.
Author(s): Emily B. Levitan, Virginia J. Howard, Mary Cushman, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 21
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
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Reaching People with HIV (PWH) in Rural United States
Infographic describing challenges related to HIV screening and care in rural areas. Highlights strategies to address barriers to care, including telehealth HIV care delivery, investing in transportation initiatives, and minimizing stigma and denial.
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: AIDS Education and Training Centers National Coordinating Resource Center
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Incidence of Screening-Detectable Cancers among Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native Populations 2014–2018 (Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Areas)
Data brief examining the incidence of screening-detectable cancers, including colorectal, lung, female breast, and cervical, among the non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native population as a whole and by sex from 2014 to 2018. Includes a regional analysis of incidence rates for screening-detectable cancers.
Date: 11/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Community Oncologists' Perceptions and Utilization of Large-Panel Genomic Tumor Testing
Examines perceptions of large-panel genomic tumor testing (GTT) among 58 predominantly rural community oncology physicians in Maine. Reports clinicians' confidence in GTT, attitudes toward GTT, and perceived barriers to implementation.
Author(s): Eric C. Anderson, Alexandra C. Hinton, Christine W. Lary, et al.
Citation: BMC Cancer, 21, 1273
Date: 11/2021
Type: Document
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Differences in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence Among Women Residing in Urban and Rural Communities in the United States
Results of a study of 2,897 women from 11 states to compare the prevalence of breast and colorectal cancer screening adherence and to identify factors associated with screening adherence among women living in rural and urban areas. Features demographics and statistics on cancer screening adherence with breakdowns by urban or rural location.
Author(s): Sanjay Shete, Yangyang Deng, Jackilen Shannon, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(10)
Date: 10/2021
Type: Document
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Access to Lung Cancer Screening in the Veterans Health Administration: Does Geographic Distribution Match Need in the Population?
Highlights a study on access to lung cancer screening in Veterans Health Administration facilities. Examines screening rates in VA facilities in 44 states from 2013-2019. Breaks down data by state and region, as well as percentage of rural veterans screened. Highlights barriers to accessing screening for rural veterans.
Author(s): Jacqueline H. Boudreau, Donald R. Miller, Shirley Qian, et al.
Citation: Chest Journal, 160(1), 358-367
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
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The Association Between Breast Cancer Capacity and Resources with Incidence and Mortality in Arizona's Low Populous Counties
Study examining breast cancer service capacity and incidence and mortality rates for low populous counties in Arizona based on CMS National Provider Identifier data. Compares rural and urban data and discusses opportunities for increasing access to preventative services.
Author(s): Adrienne B. Lent, Prashanthinie Mohan, Daniel Derksen, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 21, 6357
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
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ACEs Screening in Rural California: Exploring Provider Perspectives and Experiences
Report examining the implementation of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening in rural communities in Northern California based on interviews with Medi-Cal providers. Discusses opportunities to support screening, referral, and treatment as well as barriers, including limited time, resources, infrastructure, and skilled staff. Discusses disproportionate rates of ACEs in rural adults and health impacts of ACEs.
Author(s): Kathryn Stewart, Lisa Tadlock, Shauna Olsen, Sue Grinnell
Date: 07/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: California Department of Health Care Services, Northern ACEs Collaborative, Population Health Innovation Lab, Public Health Institute
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