TUCSON, ARIZ. (May 26, 2023) - The American Cancer Society awarded a $3,000 transportation grant to Arizona Oncology to alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs for patients with cancer. The grant is one of 600 nationwide grants totaling over $10.8 million awarded by the American Cancer Society in 2022. Based on assistance provided through previous grant funding, these grants will provide more than 328,000 rides to treatment for nearly 25,000 people.

For patients with cancer, transportation challenges can create barriers to receiving treatment. Many people need daily or weekly treatment, often for several months. Family and friends may help, but they may not always have the time or resources to provide every ride.

“We are grateful to the American Cancer Society for the transportation grant,” said Kelly Huey, social work manager at Arizona Oncology. “Our staff of social workers and nurse navigators are here for Arizona Oncology patients if they need help navigating financial issues and more. We know how difficult it is to deal with a tough diagnosis and want to provide our patients with as much security as possible.”

Patients seeking additional assistance can reach out to Arizona Oncology staff at [email protected].

In 2023, more than 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States. In a large national study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) in April ‘22, American Cancer Society researchers found U.S. cancer survivors who reported medical financial hardship had a higher mortality risk.

From 1991 to 2019, there has been a 32% decline in cancer mortality. The American Cancer Society can directly attribute declines in the overall cancer death rate to investment of funds and resources in the areas of advocacy, discovery, and direct patient support. All people should have a fair and just opportunity to live a longer, healthier life free from cancer regardless of how much money they make, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or where they live.

For more information about Arizona Oncology, visit ArizonaOncology.com.

About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology delivers world-class care and research with passion and precision, right in your community, so you can thrive with and beyond cancer. With highly specialized providers, leading-edge technology and access to clinical trials, we advance cancer care in the following areas: Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Breast Surgical Oncology, Colorectal Surgery, Hematology, Urology, Clinical Trials, Genetic Risk Assessment, and Patient Ancillary Programs. We are one of the largest groups of medical professionals in Arizona devoted to providing compassionate cancer care and breakthrough research close to where patients live and work. Our team treats patients in many locations throughout the state including Goodyear, Green Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Tucson. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. We invest in lifesaving research, provide 24/7 information and support, and work to ensure that individuals in every community have access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. For more information, visit cancer.org.