SDOH and Cancer: Transportation Resources
There’s no denying it: A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. You have to schedule appointments, find an oncologist, figure out where to get treatment, and that’s just the beginning.
What can you do if you don’t have a way to get around? You’re not alone. Each year in the U.S., about 6 million people don’t get the care they need because they don’t have a reliable way to get to it. Here’s what you need to know about how this affects your health.
Understanding social determinants of health
Factors like transportation are called social determinants of health (SDOH). They’re the conditions of your environment that affect your health, including the neighborhood you live in, transportation near you, your job, and your cultural background.
SDOH can play a big role in your health. Reliable transportation is important when getting cancer treatment. Think of it this way: When you have cancer, it’s very important to get to your treatment. If you miss appointments, you won’t get the care you need. It can make it harder to treat the cancer. And it can raise the risk that the cancer will spread or return. But luckily, there are people—and a lot of organizations—willing to help.
How to find support
Not sure where to start? Talk with a social worker, case manager, or navigator at your hospital or cancer center. They may be able to:
-
Suggest a van service at the cancer center
-
Find a transportation program for you
-
Call local cancer organizations on your behalf
You can also check with your insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, your plan may cover medical transportation costs. This includes healthcare visits or chemotherapy appointments.
Contact an organization
On top of resources at your cancer center, there are many companies with programs dedicated to helping those with cancer. Here are a few to try.
American Cancer Society Road to Recovery
800-227-2345 orhttps://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/road-to-recovery.html
-
Offers rides to and from cancer-related appointments. If you need help moving around, a caregiver can come with you.
-
Call and schedule your ride in advance.
-
Drivers are volunteers who use their own cars.
Cancer Care Financial Assistance Program
800-813-4673 or cancercare.org
-
Social workers find transportation options for those who need help affording rides
-
Helps pay for transportation costs
-
Requires a letter from your healthcare provider
Mercy Medical Angels
757-318-9174 or www.mercymedical.org/request-assistance
-
Pays for the cost of a bus, train, or airplane flight to treatment facilities (must be at least 50 miles away)
-
Provides gas cards to use if driving
-
Requires proof of income (tax return, three months of bank statements, or proof of Medicaid)
-
A healthcare provider must confirm your cancer diagnosis and clear you for travel
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Travel Assistance Program
877-557-2672 or lls.org/support-resources/financial-support
Alex's Lemonade Stand: Travel for Care Program
866-333-1213 or alexslemonade.org
-
You must be under the age of 21
-
Provides up to $4,000 of aid a year for families
-
Your family’s yearly income must be less than $100,000
-
Covers transportation costs for you and a caregiver
-
Your healthcare provider must start the application for you
Don’t let stressing over transportation get in the way of your health. Whether it’s from a social worker at your hospital or one of the organizations mentioned, support is out there so you can get back to healing.