Service Access and Supportive Care Experiences among Urban and Rural Cancer Survivors: Informing Social Work Practice

Access to medical and supportive care services is important for the health and quality of life of cancer survivors; however, services are not always available or accessible to all survivors equally. This study aims to explore the experiences of cancer services among cancer survivors in urban and rural settings to inform social work practice. Authors conducted interviews with 25 cancer survivors (colorectal, n = 13; hematological, n = 12) in the West of Ireland, using a narrative inquiry approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Authors found variations in the availability of supportive care services for urban and rural cancer survivors. Often, services designed to maximize survivors' individualized choices and needs in community care were limited in rural communities, preventing some survivors from having their physical and psychological needs met. Additionally, access to services proved to be a barrier for rural cancer survivors. Rural survivors stated that traveling to appointments required time and planning, and the implications of travel costs were an increased burden. When rural survivors had good social support, access to services became less of an issue. The study confirms geographical disparities and recommends a review of supports that better meet survivors' needs and informs social work practice.