[Geographical and economic barriers to access to oncology services offered by the National Cancer Institute in Bogota, Colombia].
OBJECTIVE
Geographical and economic barriers to access to National Cancer Institute (NCI) oncology services were evaluated; such approach revealed the need for alternatives for dealing with these issues and considering studies aimed at assessing similar problems and resolving them.


METHODS
An analytical empirical approach used qualitative and quantitative statistical methods were used within a context of social concern.


RESULTS
Only 176 out of 3 391 patients had access to the 'Temporary-housing programme' during 2005, covering 5,19 % of all patients coming from remote regions of Colombia. Most patients were women who were looking for alternatives outside the institutional programmes being offered.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to fix gender inequity and search for better housing alternatives to providing refuges, providing access to specialised treatment and the need for attending people with dignity and ensuring quality of life. The study led to proposing new short-, medium- and long-term alternatives for improving health service access.
García-Ubaque
Juan Carlos
JC
Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC.
Quintero-Matallana
Carmen S
CS
D000328:Adult; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D003105:Colombia; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics; D006798:Housing; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D012935:Social Justice