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 Getting screening exams for early
detection of breast and cervical cancer can be a challenge for many women with
disabilities.
They are as likely to be at risk for
cancer as other women. But CDC studies have shown that women with
functional limitations are less likely to have regular mammograms and Pap tests
to screen for breast and cervical cancer.
Women with disabilities face many
barriers to regular screening. They may have difficulty getting to the
doctor's office, undressing for an exam, raising their arms for self-exams,
mounting a traditional examination table, standing, or positioning their
wheelchairs for mammograms.
The Breast Health Access for Women
with Disabilities program highlights some ways to make it easier for women with
disabilities to get a mammogram. At Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in
Berkeley, California, a nurse specialist provides free clinical breast exams and
breast self-exam education. The exam room is accessible, with attendants
to help transfer patients to a multi-positioning exam table. Women are
referred to mammography services that accommodate women who use wheelchairs or
have difficulty standing. Medical staff are trained to be sensitive to
disability issues, and staff coordinate transportation for those who need it.
The program has also developed techniques to teach women with cognitive
disabilities or limited hand functionality to perform breast self-exams.
See
www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00055280.htm for more information.
Resources:
Breast
Health Access for Women with Disabilities (BHAWD): Breast
Health Access for Women with Disabilities is a community
partnership of women with disabilities, breast cancer survivors,
medical professionals and grassroots disability rights
organizations
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