Description:
<jats:p> 106 </jats:p><jats:p> Background: We provide the only fully staffed cancer center in the rural Columbia Pacific, serving multiple counties in OR and WA. Rural areas can lack resources to provide comprehensive survivorship care. Higher rates of medical comorbidities and socioeconomic barriers add challenges to rural survivorship. We conducted a pilot study to 1) develop a program for lifestyle and behavior modifications to fit the needs of our rural community and 2) determine feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a survivorship program for breast cancer patients. Methods: : 9 women with stage I-III breast cancer completed a 12-week program consisting of 1:1 meetings every 2 weeks with a physical therapist and registered dietician; health coach support; and access to a social worker. The following pre-post measures of physical health were taken: fasting lipids and glucose, HbA1C, waist circumference, blood pressure, BMI, 3-day physical activity log and food journal, joint range of motion, and muscle strength. Pre-post well-being was assessed by EORTC QLQC30 and focus groups. Results: Decreases in systolic BP, weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and HbA1c were seen in a majority of participants; however, only decreases in waist circumference reached statistical significance (p = .043). On post-program survey using a 0-10 rating scale, program acceptability was rated at an average of 7, and likelihood to continue at an average of 9.4; however, overall QOL rating had no change. Focus group feedback indicated participants valued dietician visits, but requested more social work support, exercise customization, and group support to foster mentoring, education, and sense of community. Conclusions: Developing a rural comprehensive survivorship care program is feasible. More work is needed to translate physical health goals into enhancement of well-being and improved QOL. As of 10/2/17 we have opened a comprehensive cancer center housing medical oncology and radiation oncology services in one facility. We now have a full-time dietitian, resource coordinator, and social worker. This unique facility is well poised to deliver long-term care to rural cancer survivors, and we believe could serve as a model for other rural regions. </jats:p>