COLUMBUS, Ohio — A cancer diagnosis can be frightening but imagine the frustration when you learn your access to the latest treatment is limited by where you live.
For rural and small communities nationwide, this is a reality. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that rural residents are at risk for five preventable causes of death.
OhioHealth Marion General Hospital is now using robotic-assisted technology to help detect lung cancer. It's called the Ion — a specialized state-of-the-art medical tool that specialists say can easily access and effectively biopsy multiple lung nodules: polyps.
Until now, patients referred to the Ion would have to get the scans at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center.
It’s a breakthrough that will allow people seeking screening to start the process close to home instead of driving into the city of Columbus to get this care.
The Southern Ohio Medical Center in southeastern Ohio has also rolled out this procedure for its community.
The Ohio Department of Health said they recognize and are working to address rural disparities.
"Those living in Ohio's smaller communities and rural areas can experience unique challenges to accessing health care. This is often due to the need to travel longer distances to access care than those living in more densely populated areas among other considerations. So any addition that brings advanced care and technology closer to home for people in smaller communities is helpful to reduce those barriers," the agency said in a statement.
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