YORK COUNTY — If being diagnosed with cancer weren’t enough in itself, many folks, including some who live in York County, have an added difficulty to deal with —  no means to get to appointments for treatment and other cancer-related care.

It is an issue across Maine, said Kristen Smith of the Maine Cancer Foundation, including in York County.

“We recently completed a transportation assessment for the state and we found that lack of transportation or the cost of travel are key barriers to cancer patients receiving treatment,” said Smith. 

Now, cancer patients who need transportation to medical appointments have a resource — the Maine Cancer Foundation has awarded York County Community Action Corporation a $50,000 grant over two years to provide transportation to care.

YCCAC’s Transportation program will use the funds to operate “Connecting to Cancer Care,” a partnership with the medical providers treating people diagnosed with cancer,  said YCCAC spokesman Brad Bohon.  Connecting to Cancer Care is available to residents of York County who have a cancer diagnosis, need transportation to treatment or related appointments, and do not have other means of transportation, said Bohon.  Rides can be scheduled by phone (207) 324-5762, Option 2) or by visiting the YCCAC Transportation office at 6 Spruce St. in Sanford. 

Patients will use either YCCAC’s bus system or the services of a volunteer driver arranged through the agency. Transportation to patient appointments it not restricted by location — folks may be provided rides to local appointments or those scheduled further afield, Bohon said.

The study conducted by the Maine Cancer Foundation found that transportation is an issue that impacts cancer patients in all parts of the state, but the needs and barriers of each community differ based on circumstances.

It found that cancer patients in Maine traveled an average of 34.8 miles to receive outpatient care and 46.4 miles, round trip, to receive inpatient care.

The study found those living in rural areas experience much longer travel distances, but the populations in these areas are lower.

The study found patients living in southern and central Maine have facilities closer to home, but these areas have much larger populations.

The study further found that cancer patients in Maine face significant transportation barriers that impact their ability to receive care. It noted that the inability to drive due to illness is a significant issue for cancer patients; that some patients lack family and friends who are available to drive them to appointments; that the cost of owning a vehicle or hiring taxis can be expensive and a lack of public transportation in Maine leaves some patients without an inexpensive method of travel.

Smith said the  Maine Cancer Foundation has invested $823,466 in transportation and associated costs for Maine cancer patients since 2008.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.