Learning Center Collaborative
MNA 2025 APRN Pharmacology Conference

Cancer Survivorship Care in Rural Primary Care

Provided by the Montana Nurses Association
     Presented by:  Margaret Hammersla, PhD, ANP-BC


Accessing survivorship care for late and longterm effects of treatment, as well as ongoing surveillance for new and recurrent cancers, can be a challenge for those living in rural and frontier communities. An estimated 2.8 million survivors live in rural areas across the United States. Clear differences in survivorship outcomes have been noted in rural areas compared to their urban counterparts. Survival rates are lower in rural areas, partially attributed to a lack of surveillance for new and reoccurring cancer during survivorship, and have worse outcomes than their urban counterparts. Additional challenges for rural cancer survivors include travel and access, care coordination, and a lack of advocacy. This presentation will review strategies and resources available to support the delivery of care for cancer survivors living in rural areas

Dr. Hammersla is an Assistant Professor at the Mark & Robyn Jones College of Nursing and an Adult Nurse Practitioner with a clinical background in internal medicine and geriatric care. She is an implementation science expert focusing on using system-based practice change to improve patient outcomes, specifically in access to specialty care for rural and frontier communities. She is working collaboratively with the American Society for Clinical Oncology to implement a hub-and-spoke model for oncology and infusion care in a rural southwest Montana community. Using qualitative research methods, Dr. Hammersla engages stakeholders to develop systems of care to improve survivorship care that are specifically designed for rural and frontier communities


For any questions, clarifications, or follow up, please contact MNA at info@mtnurses.org

Montana Nurses Association is approved with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Virginia Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation

To earn contact hours, learners must watch the entire webinar and submit an evaluation and digital certificate claim form after the session.

  There are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies for those involved with the ability to control the content of this activity.



Expires 12/31/2026
Contact hours awarded upon successful completion: 1