39039, Benton, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39039, Benton, Mississippi is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.01 percent of residents in 39039 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center-Yazoo with a distance of 9.44 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Benton, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39039)

Considering a move to Benton, Mississippi, and concerned about lung cancer healthcare access? This write-up offers a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely and effective care within ZIP code 39039. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive view of navigating the healthcare landscape. The goal is to illuminate the realities of **healthcare access** in this rural area, considering the critical importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer.

Benton, a small community nestled in Yazoo County, presents unique challenges regarding **transportation** and healthcare. The availability of specialized medical services, particularly for lung cancer, is often limited locally. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers, making **moving to Benton** a decision that requires careful consideration of logistical factors. The “Lung Cancer Score” here isn’t a numerical value but a qualitative assessment based on the accessibility of care.

The primary method of accessing healthcare in Benton is by personal vehicle. The most direct route to major medical facilities involves navigating Mississippi Highway 16 (MS-16) and Mississippi Highway 433 (MS-433). Driving to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, a major regional healthcare hub, is approximately a 60- to 90-minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Benton. This journey covers roughly 60-70 miles.

Another option is Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, which is slightly closer, taking around 45-75 minutes via MS-16 and Interstate 55 (I-55). This route is approximately 50-60 miles. The drive times can vary significantly due to traffic, especially during peak hours. Emergency situations necessitate rapid transport, making the reliability of these routes crucial.

For those without personal vehicles, public transit options are limited. Yazoo County does not have a comprehensive public transportation system. The availability of public buses or fixed-route services is virtually nonexistent within ZIP code 39039. This significantly restricts access to healthcare for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a car.

The lack of public transit underscores the dependence on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation. This is a critical factor in assessing the "Lung Cancer Score" for Benton. Delays in accessing care can negatively impact treatment outcomes, particularly in time-sensitive situations like cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jackson area, but their presence in Benton is sporadic. Availability is not guaranteed, and wait times can be lengthy. This makes ride-sharing an unreliable option for scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for frequent trips, further limiting **healthcare access** for some residents.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport. These services are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs, such as those requiring wheelchair assistance or stretcher transport. The cost of medical transport is often higher than ride-sharing and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The limited options for transportation highlight the challenges faced by residents of Benton, particularly those dealing with a serious illness like lung cancer. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing, creates potential barriers to timely healthcare access.

The accessibility of specialized lung cancer care is another critical aspect of the "Lung Cancer Score." While Benton itself may not have specialized oncology services, the proximity to Jackson offers access to comprehensive cancer centers at UMMC and Baptist Medical Center. These facilities provide diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services.

However, the travel time to these centers is a significant factor. The 60- to 90-minute drive to Jackson from Benton can add considerable stress and fatigue to patients undergoing treatment. This is particularly relevant for individuals requiring frequent appointments, such as chemotherapy sessions or follow-up scans.

Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and palliative care, should be considered. Access to these services is essential for managing the physical and emotional challenges associated with lung cancer. The distance to Jackson may limit access to these crucial support systems.

Another factor is the availability of specialized pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons. The expertise of these specialists is crucial for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. While Jackson offers access to these specialists, the travel time and potential wait times for appointments can be a significant hurdle.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Benton, therefore, reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural setting. The lack of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles create potential barriers to timely and effective care. The distance to specialized medical centers in Jackson, while offering access to comprehensive services, adds to the logistical and emotional burden on patients.

For individuals **moving to Benton** with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, careful consideration of these transportation and healthcare access factors is essential. Assessing the availability of reliable transportation, understanding the costs associated with medical transport, and planning for potential delays are crucial steps in ensuring access to timely and appropriate care.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 39039 highlights the need for careful planning and resourcefulness in navigating the healthcare landscape. While access to specialized care is available in Jackson, the transportation challenges pose a significant hurdle. Individuals considering a move to Benton should prioritize assessing their transportation options, understanding the potential costs, and establishing a support network to facilitate access to healthcare. The ability to proactively address these factors is critical for improving the overall quality of life and treatment outcomes for those facing the challenges of lung cancer in this rural community.