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Rural Cancer Patients in Texas Face Transportation Challenges for Care

KVIA•Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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Andy Henard, a 76-year-old rancher from North Texas, was diagnosed with stage IV bladder cancer in late 2023, requiring advanced treatment far from home. Rural cancer patients often face significant hurdles, including delayed diagnoses and limited access to specialized care, which can lead to worse outcomes. Henard was relieved to find that he could receive his chemotherapy at a local facility, Childress Regional Medical Center, instead of relocating to Houston. This center, which expanded its services after a community loss, now provides crucial cancer treatment closer to home, but the future of rural healthcare remains uncertain due to a shortage of qualified oncologists willing to practice in these areas.

Key Details: • Henard received his diagnosis in December 2023 and began treatment shortly after. • Childress Regional Medical Center is located 30 minutes from Henard's ranch in Wellington. • The infusion center at Childress has grown to 10 treatment spots with full-time staff. • By 2037, rural areas may only have 29% of the oncologists needed to meet demand.

healthcare community cancer transportation rural

People & Organizations

North TexasAmerican Cancer SocietyWellingtonAndy HenardHolly HolcombDr. Fred HardwickeDr. Mohamad Al-RahawanChildress Regional Medical CenterMD Anderson Medical CenterNational Rural Health AssociationTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center

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