44703, Canton, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44703, Canton, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.21 percent of residents in 44703 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Medical Center with a distance of 0.88 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 44703

The journey to healthcare, especially for critical needs like breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a complex one. In ZIP Code 44703, a deep dive into transportation options reveals a landscape of possibilities and challenges, ultimately shaping a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the ease, or difficulty, of accessing vital medical services. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a picture of healthcare access for residents, particularly those newly *moving to Canton*.

The first layer of our assessment involves the automobile, the dominant mode of *transportation* in this area. From the heart of 44703, a journey to Aultman Hospital, a major healthcare provider, typically involves navigating the well-traveled roads. Heading north on Market Avenue North, a key artery, the drive is usually swift, clocking in at around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, taking 12th Street Northwest and connecting to I-77 South offers a slightly longer, but often less congested, route.

For those seeking the services of Mercy Medical Center, a similar scenario unfolds. Traveling east on 12th Street Northwest and then south on Cleveland Avenue Northwest, the drive averages 10-15 minutes. The route is generally straightforward, but peak hour traffic can extend the commute. These drive times, while relatively manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles, a crucial factor in our "Breast Cancer Score."

Public *transportation* presents a different narrative. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) operates within Canton, providing bus services that connect various points within the city and surrounding areas. Several routes traverse 44703, offering a potentially viable alternative for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive.

However, the reality of relying on public transit for breast cancer care is often more complicated. The frequency of bus routes varies, with some running less frequently than others, especially during evenings and weekends. Transfers between routes can add significant time to the overall journey. While SARTA strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring ease of use for individuals with mobility limitations, the inherent challenges of navigating public transit, particularly for those undergoing treatment, cannot be ignored.

Consider a hypothetical scenario: a resident of 44703 needs to travel to a specialist appointment at Aultman Hospital. Taking the bus, the journey might involve a 20-30 minute ride, depending on the specific route and transfer requirements. This timeframe does not include the time spent waiting at bus stops, which can be unpredictable. Furthermore, the physical demands of navigating a bus, especially for someone experiencing fatigue or mobility issues related to cancer treatment, can be considerable.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another *transportation* option. These services provide on-demand rides, potentially reducing travel times compared to public transit. In 44703, ride-sharing availability is generally good, although surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can impact affordability. For individuals with limited financial resources, the cost of frequent ride-sharing trips to medical appointments can become a significant burden.

The availability of medical *transportation* services is also a critical consideration. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport provide door-to-door service, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transit due to their medical condition. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, particularly for those with specific insurance plans.

Several medical transport providers operate in the Canton area, including local and regional companies. These services typically require advance booking, adding another layer of planning to the healthcare journey. The "Breast Cancer Score" must account for the availability, affordability, and accessibility of these specialized transport options.

The interplay of these *transportation* factors directly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score" for 44703. The score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer-related healthcare services, considering drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options.

A high score would indicate easy access, with short drive times, frequent and reliable public transit, readily available ride-sharing, and affordable medical transport options. Conversely, a low score would signify significant challenges, such as long drive times, infrequent public transit, high ride-sharing costs, and limited medical transport availability.

For individuals *moving to Canton* and residing in 44703, understanding this "Breast Cancer Score" is crucial. It allows them to assess the practicality of accessing healthcare services based on their individual circumstances and needs. Those without personal vehicles or with limited mobility may face significant challenges in accessing timely and convenient care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not just a numerical value; it's a reflection of the lived experience of residents navigating the healthcare system. It highlights the importance of considering *transportation* options when making healthcare decisions. It underscores the need for accessible and affordable *transportation* solutions to ensure that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, can access the vital care they need.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for 44703 is a nuanced assessment, highlighting the interplay of various *transportation* factors that affect healthcare access. While drive times are generally manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges for some residents. Ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative, but affordability can be a concern. Medical transport services provide specialized support, but their cost and availability can be restrictive. Understanding these factors is essential for residents, especially those *moving to Canton*, to make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure timely access to critical services. The ultimate goal is to improve the "Breast Cancer Score" by advocating for better *transportation* options and creating a more equitable healthcare landscape for all.