27973, Shawboro, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27973, Shawboro, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.73 percent of residents in 27973 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Albemarle Medical Center with a distance of 9.18 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Shawboro, NC (ZIP Code 27973)

The picturesque landscape of Shawboro, North Carolina, nestled in the heart of Currituck County, offers a tranquil setting for residents. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for a critical illness like breast cancer, understanding the realities of **transportation** becomes paramount. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for ZIP code 27973, focusing on the challenges and opportunities residents face in accessing timely and effective breast cancer care. It's a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Shawboro**, or already living there, who values their health.

The Breast Cancer Score, in this context, is not a numerical value but a comprehensive evaluation of the practicalities of accessing breast cancer-related medical services. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the landscape, aiding informed decisions about healthcare and lifestyle choices.

**Drive Times: The Highway to Healing**

Shawboro's relative isolation dictates a reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized medical care. The primary arteries for travel are US-158, the main thoroughfare, and NC-34, which provides another route to neighboring towns. These roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours or tourist season.

For breast cancer screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatment, residents of 27973 often need to travel to Elizabeth City, the county seat, or even further afield to Norfolk, Virginia, or Greenville, North Carolina, for specialized care. The drive to Elizabeth City, via US-158, is typically a 20-30 minute journey, depending on traffic. This drive provides access to Albemarle Hospital, which offers diagnostic imaging services and some cancer care.

However, for more advanced treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the journey becomes significantly longer. Driving to Norfolk, Virginia, a hub for specialized cancer centers like Sentara Norfolk General Hospital or the EVMS Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. This involves navigating US-158 to US-168, then onto I-64.

Alternatively, residents might consider traveling to Greenville, North Carolina, home to Vidant Medical Center, a regional referral center. This trip, primarily via US-17, is a longer haul, typically taking around 2 hours. These extended drive times can be a significant burden, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing fatigue. The stress of the commute adds to the emotional and physical toll of battling breast cancer.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in Currituck County are extremely limited. The primary provider is Currituck County Transportation, offering demand-response services. This means residents must schedule rides in advance, and the service is primarily geared towards seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The availability of public transit for medical appointments is not guaranteed, and the scheduling process can be cumbersome. Furthermore, the service may not be equipped to handle the specific needs of breast cancer patients, such as accommodating wheelchairs or other mobility aids. There is no fixed-route bus service in the area.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. While Currituck County Transportation strives to provide accessible vehicles, the reliability and availability of these services can be inconsistent. Patients with physical limitations may face significant challenges in accessing medical care via public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability are not guaranteed. While they can be a convenient option for short trips, the cost of frequent rides to distant medical facilities can quickly become prohibitive. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is uncertain.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedTrans or CareRide, offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive, and the availability of these services might be limited.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Synthesis**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 27973 reflects a complex reality. While Shawboro offers a peaceful environment, the lack of readily available healthcare services and the reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation** create significant challenges for breast cancer patients. The limited public transit options, the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transport further compound these difficulties.

The extended drive times to specialized cancer centers in Elizabeth City, Norfolk, or Greenville can be a major barrier to accessing timely and effective care. The emotional and physical toll of frequent long-distance travel can negatively impact a patient's quality of life and potentially delay treatment.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Addressing the challenges of healthcare access in Shawboro requires a multi-pronged approach. Increased investment in public **transportation**, particularly for medical appointments, is crucial. This could involve expanding the services offered by Currituck County Transportation or exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for patients.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services could help bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups can reduce the need for frequent travel and improve access to care.

Finally, community outreach and education are essential. Raising awareness about breast cancer screening and treatment options, as well as providing resources for patients and their families, can empower individuals to take control of their health and navigate the healthcare system more effectively.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 27973 highlights the importance of addressing healthcare access disparities in rural communities. While Shawboro offers a desirable lifestyle, the **healthcare access** challenges, particularly for a disease like breast cancer, cannot be ignored. By understanding the complexities of **transportation** and healthcare availability, residents, policymakers, and healthcare providers can work together to improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive the care they need. For anyone **moving to Shawboro**, it is vital to consider the healthcare landscape, especially if you or a loved one may require specialized medical care.