AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Mar 22, 2013) - Today, the LIVESTRONG Foundation, Central Health, the Shivers Cancer Foundation and Senator Kirk Watson announced the results of a white paper on the availability of quality clinical adult cancer care and support services in the greater Austin region, which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Cancer is the leading cause of death in the region and residents cite it as a top health concern.

"Central Texans share a fierce community pride," said Sen. Watson. "Quality of life is a point of pride and an article of faith in our community, so our friends, neighbors and family members rightly expect high-quality health care. Cancer has become the No. 1 cause of death in our region, so it's important -- especially in this community -- that we work to reduce this trend. This paper illustrates the many assets we have and challenges we face to provide more comprehensive cancer care. Now we can start defining a path forward."

Central Health, the LIVESTRONG Foundation and the Shivers Cancer Foundation collaboratively commissioned public health consulting firm Health Resources in Action (HRiA) to develop the Greater Austin Region Cancer Care White Paper: Cancer Care in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties. An advisory group of Austin-area cancer-care experts consulted on the project, which resulted in 14 consensus statements (see page 4) representing the class and accessibility of clinical care and support services. From those statements, the advisory group agreed that Central Texas has good quality cancer care and immense opportunity to innovate its cancer care services, as well as access.

The project set forth to describe the prevailing perceptions of cancer care and understand patients' perspectives, while identifying goals for the future to cover gaps in coverage that were identified in the research.

In the Austin area, cancer incidence and mortality rates were found to be lower than the average both in Texas and nationally, but the city has the highest rate of uninsured adults under 65 in the state. However, of those uninsured, a relatively low number (5-15 percent) are seeking cancer care.

Although Travis and Williamson County retain the most primary care providers in the area, there are not enough to meet the growing need, especially in Bastrop, Hays and Caldwell Counties -- the three fastest growing counties in the region. In the future, lack of supply may lead to more people in need of care leaving their home city to receive treatments in other cities. To address this concern, the advisory group believes the incoming medical school needs to attract, train and retain its physicians, while ensuring collaboration among all aspects of cancer care.

"We believe commitment to ongoing collaboration among cancer care leaders in our community is a vital first step toward expanding and further elevating the quality cancer care that the flourishing Austin region deserves," said Clarke Heidrick, Shivers Cancer Foundation Chairman.

An opportunity for growth resides in prevention and screening in the area, especially among minority populations. Austin is shown to have a good screening and prevention rate, but identifying outreach to sub-populations can, and should, be pursued, according to the project.

"One of the greatest challenges is providing a seamless continuity of care, especially for the traditionally underserved minority population," said Trish Young, Central Health President and CEO. "We have to work harder to ensure people don't fall through the cracks between screening and detection, treatment and ongoing care, and that they are always able to access all of these essential, lifesaving services to ensure their cancer incidence rates remain in line with the rest of the country."

Another facet of cancer care that needs to be addressed is post-treatment options for cancer survivors. Results indicate that cancer survivors in the area generally have less access to services that meet their needs after completing their treatment. There is also a general lack of awareness of services available and where to access them. The need for medical and social service cancer navigation is currently far outweighing the demand.

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White Paper by Leading Health Care Organizations Cites Opportunity for Cancer Care in Austin