27587, Wake Forest, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27587, Wake Forest, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.70 percent of residents in 27587 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Duke Health Raleigh Hospital with a distance of 10.96 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wake Forest (ZIP Code 27587)

The journey to healthcare, particularly when facing a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It's not just about the medical expertise available; it's also about the ease and accessibility of getting there. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 27587 (Wake Forest, North Carolina), provides a "Breast Cancer Score" by examining the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for individuals needing breast cancer services. Considering the challenges of treatment, from frequent appointments to potential side effects, understanding these transportation options becomes paramount. This is especially crucial for those considering moving to Wake Forest, weighing the practicality of accessing essential medical care.

Wake Forest, a rapidly growing town in Wake County, offers a blend of suburban charm and burgeoning development. However, the area's transportation infrastructure is still evolving, creating both opportunities and challenges for residents seeking healthcare. The Breast Cancer Score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare accessibility.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For many residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The major thoroughfares serving Wake Forest include US-1, a vital north-south artery, and NC-98, a key east-west route. These highways connect Wake Forest to the broader Triangle area, including the major medical centers in Raleigh and Durham.

Driving to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer centers, such as the Duke Cancer Center in Durham or the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, can involve significant travel times. During peak hours, the commute on US-1 can be particularly congested, adding to the stress of appointments. The drive to Duke, typically around 30-45 minutes in off-peak times, can easily stretch to over an hour during rush hour. Similarly, the journey to UNC, usually taking about an hour, is also susceptible to traffic delays.

Within Wake Forest, local roads like Capital Boulevard (US-1A) and Forestville Road offer alternative routes, but these can also be subject to traffic. The availability of parking at these medical facilities is another factor to consider, especially for patients with mobility issues or those undergoing treatment that may affect their stamina. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect these factors, acknowledging the impact of travel time and parking availability on healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Wake Forest are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The GoRaleigh and GoTriangle systems offer bus services, but the routes and frequencies are not always conducive to timely healthcare access.

GoRaleigh Route 101 provides service between downtown Raleigh and Wake Forest, but the frequency of buses, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, can be infrequent. This route is crucial for connecting to the broader transit network, including access to hospitals and cancer centers in Raleigh. GoTriangle also offers limited routes, but these may not directly serve medical facilities or require multiple transfers, extending travel times considerably.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. GoRaleigh and GoTriangle buses are equipped with features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including ramps, lifts, and priority seating. However, the practicalities of navigating the system, including waiting times, transfer times, and the physical demands of boarding and disembarking, can still pose challenges for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the limitations of public transit, emphasizing the need for improved service and frequency to enhance healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, especially for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. However, the availability of these services in Wake Forest can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments and treatments.

Specialized medical transportation services offer a valuable resource for patients who require assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Companies like FirstLight Home Care and Senior Helpers offer these services in the Wake Forest area. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, requiring advance booking. The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability, cost, and accessibility of these specialized transportation options.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment:**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 27587 is not a single number but a multifaceted assessment. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average travel time to major breast cancer centers during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, routes, and ADA accessibility of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** The availability and cost of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability, cost, and features of specialized medical transportation services.
* **Parking Availability:** The availability and accessibility of parking at major medical facilities.

This score will be weighted to reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, drive time and public transit accessibility will be weighted more heavily than ride-sharing availability. The final score will provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, helping individuals understand the challenges and opportunities related to transportation in their journey through breast cancer treatment.

**Moving to Wake Forest: Considerations for Healthcare Access:**

For those considering moving to Wake Forest, the Breast Cancer Score is a crucial tool. It allows prospective residents to assess the practicality of accessing healthcare services based on their individual needs and circumstances. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the available options. Individuals with personal vehicles should factor in commute times and parking availability.

The evolving transportation landscape in Wake Forest offers both challenges and opportunities. As the town continues to grow, improvements in public transit and the expansion of ride-sharing services are essential to enhance healthcare access. Understanding the current transportation infrastructure is critical for making informed decisions about healthcare and quality of life. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable resource, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of healthcare access in Wake Forest.