As a woman with disabilities, you are probably very aware of the health issues that have an impact on your daily life. But are you certain that you receive enough ordinary preventive health services, such as Pap tests and mammograms?
A 2004 study (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, May 2004) suggests that the answer may be No. Many groups of patients with disabilities receive too few preventive health services. Women with disabilities are especially unlikely to receive adequate Pap tests and clinical breast exams, the study found, and are thus at greater risk for undetected cervical and breast cancer.
Low Levels of Preventive Health Services
Why are preventive cancer service rates for women with disabilities so low? It may be lack of knowledge on the part of the healthcare provider, or too narrow a focus on the disability itself rather than on the other health issues that afflict women. Or, for Pap tests, it may be the belief that women with disabilities are less sexually active and thus at less risk of cervical cancer.
Eliminating Inequities in Preventive Cancer Services
Whatever the cause, it is clear that women with disabilities want and need preventive care services as much as the rest of the population. It’s a U.S. health policy goal to eliminate inequities in health care—including preventive cancer services—received by persons with disabilities versus others.
What can you do to ensure that you get adequate preventive cancer screenings? Most important, be aware of the problem—your disability may put you at risk of receiving too few Pap tests and clinical breast exams.
Work with your doctor to understand exactly how much preventive cancer service you need. Schedule regular exams, and keep to the schedule. And insist on getting the preventive care you deserve and need—your health and life may depend on it.
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Early detection of cancer could save your life. For more information on routine breast exams, see Routine Exams for Early Breast Cancer Detection.
For more information on getting a mammogram for women with disabilities, see Accessible Mammogram Screening for Women with Disabilities.
