The Need for Community-Based Multimodal Screening for Chronic Disease and Cancer in Rural Kansas

Publications Category : Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine & Public Health

Author(s): Jordan Neely, Jerah Schmidt, Elham Ziaei, Kirsten Elliott, Lori McMann, Robin Durrett, Christian Ventura

Project Description : This commentary argues that community-based, multimodal screening is a practical and evidence-aligned response to the disproportionate burden of chronic disease and cancer in rural Kansas, where structural barriers continue to limit access to preventive care. It highlights blood pressure screening as an effective entry point for broader detection of cardiovascular, metabolic, hematologic, and mental health risk, while emphasizing the clinical value of pairing such efforts with laboratory and psychosocial assessment.