04666, Pembroke, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04666, Pembroke, Maine is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.30 percent of residents in 04666 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Calais Community Hospital with a distance of 15.02 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Pembroke, Maine (ZIP Code 04666)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It's not just about the medical expertise; it’s about the ability to *access* that expertise. In the serene coastal town of Pembroke, Maine (ZIP Code 04666), the reality of this access is deeply intertwined with *transportation*. This write-up, a “Breast Cancer Score” analysis, delves into the practicalities of reaching breast cancer care from Pembroke, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options. This information is crucial for anyone considering *moving to Pembroke* or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare landscape.

The foundation of assessing healthcare access lies in understanding the distance to relevant medical facilities. For breast cancer care, this generally translates to the nearest hospitals with oncology departments, surgical capabilities, and comprehensive diagnostic services. In this region, the primary destinations are in Bangor, approximately 100 miles west, and in Calais, a much closer 15-mile drive.

The most common mode of *transportation* for Pembroke residents is the personal vehicle. The drive to Bangor, the larger medical hub, involves navigating Route 1, a scenic but often slow-moving coastal highway, and then Route 9, a faster but less picturesque route. The drive, depending on traffic, can take between two and three hours. The journey to Calais, however, is a significantly more manageable 20-30 minute drive along Route 1. This proximity to Calais provides an important advantage for early detection and treatment.

Public *transportation* options are limited in this rural area. The Downeast Transportation, operated by the Penquis CAP (Community Action Program), offers a demand-response service. This means that riders must schedule their trips in advance. While the service is available throughout Washington County, including Pembroke, it’s not a fixed-route system. This can impact the spontaneity of appointments and treatments. The service does provide ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the scheduling requirements and the potential for longer travel times necessitate careful planning.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bangor area. However, their presence in Pembroke and the surrounding areas is sporadic. Availability is highly dependent on driver presence, which can be unpredictable. This means that relying solely on ride-sharing for regular appointments or treatments is not advisable. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer trips to Bangor, can also be a significant financial burden.

Medical *transportation* services offer a specialized solution for patients who may not be able to drive themselves or utilize public *transportation*. Several companies operate in the region, including LifeFlight of Maine, which provides air ambulance services for emergencies. However, these services are primarily for critical situations. Other options include non-emergency medical *transportation* companies, which can provide door-to-door service. These services typically require pre-booking and may have associated costs, which can vary depending on the distance and the level of assistance required.

The “Breast Cancer Score” for Pembroke, therefore, is a nuanced assessment. While the proximity to Calais offers a significant advantage, the longer distance to Bangor, with its more comprehensive medical facilities, presents a challenge. The limited public *transportation* options and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services further complicate *healthcare access*.

The financial implications of *transportation* are another critical factor. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees can add up, especially for frequent appointments. The cost of ride-sharing or medical *transportation* can be even more significant. These costs must be factored into the overall assessment of healthcare access.

For someone newly *moving to Pembroke* and concerned about breast cancer care, the following considerations are essential. First, assess your personal *transportation* capabilities. Do you have a reliable vehicle? Are you comfortable with long drives? Second, explore the availability and accessibility of local medical facilities, including those in Calais. Third, research the options for medical *transportation* and public *transportation*, and understand their limitations.

The importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Regular mammograms and screenings are crucial for identifying breast cancer at its earliest stages. The ability to *access* these screenings and subsequent treatments is paramount. The Breast Cancer Score for Pembroke reflects the realities of rural healthcare, where *transportation* is a critical determinant of *healthcare access*.

The challenges in Pembroke underscore the need for proactive planning and resourcefulness. Building a support network, including family, friends, and community organizations, can be invaluable. Exploring financial assistance programs for *transportation* costs is also important.

The Breast Cancer Score for Pembroke, while not a definitive number, highlights the need for informed decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the *transportation* landscape and the potential barriers to *healthcare access*. The goal is to ensure that all residents, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to receive timely and effective breast cancer care.

The future of *healthcare access* in Pembroke could be enhanced by increased investment in public *transportation*, including the expansion of the Downeast Transportation service. Encouraging the presence of ride-sharing services and promoting the use of telehealth technologies can also improve access. Ultimately, the goal is to create a *healthcare* environment where distance is not a barrier to receiving the care needed.