Improving Cancer Outcomes in Rural Areas
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S and is responsible for $88 billion in healthcare costs each year. The numbers are even more alarming for residents who live in rural communities.
Despite having fewer cases of cancer, rural communities have a disproportionately higher number of cancer-related deaths compared to urban areas. These deaths are often from preventable cancers — cancers that, when detected through screenings, could be treated early, improving the chances for successful outcomes.
Overall, rural communities are making less progress in expanding access to cancer screenings and reducing cancer-related mortality. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Bringing Together CEOs in Louisiana
Taking Aim at Cancer in Louisiana (TACL) will work with CEOs in rural communities to launch CEOs United in Louisiana to Tackle Cancer. This pilot initiative is designed to help increase cancer screening rates across rural communities.
We will bring CEOs of rural hospitals together with local businesses to help develop cancer screening plans with measurable goals and best practices.
Together, we’ll develop solutions on breaking barriers and reducing disparities. TACL plans to spread this initiative to other parts of Louisiana following the pilot.
Why CEOs?
As a CEO, you have the power to make a significant impact on the health of your community. We’re targeting CEOs with our new initiative because:
83%
of employers claim that cancer is one of the top three rising healthcare costs factors in their workplace
74%
of patients/survivors missed work due to their cancer diagnosis. Of these individuals, 69% were forced to miss over four weeks of work.
40%
of cancer survivors experience long-term psychological effects that impact productivity and social interaction.
On top of that, the cost of care for most common cancer types in the U.S. is around $156.20 billion for privately insured adults under the age of 65.
Learning from Turner Industries
Turner Industries has made cancer screening a priority for its employees. In 2020, the company began implementation of a strategic plan to improve their employees’ breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening rates.
Within a year after launching this initiative, Turner Industries saw a 39.1% increase in breast cancer screening rates and a 22.8% increase in overall colorectal cancer screening rates.
This is just the beginning. With forward-thinking leaders like you, we can change the cancer narrative in our state.
Join Us
As a CEO and leader in your community, we encourage you to join our pilot initiative. Through coordination and collaboration with partners, we can assist you and your team in implementing a program that increases cancer screening rates among your employees and the broader community.