CDC Features

CDC Features

Information for Women with Disabilities about Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is a major health concern for all women, including women with disabilities. Know the facts about breast cancer and why you need to make screening a regular part of your health care. If you are age 40 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every one to two years.

CDC encourages all women 40 years of age or older to get a screening mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Make an appointment to get a mammogram or speak with your doctor about breast cancer screening. To learn more about mammograms, visit Screenings.

Most women are likely to have regular mammogram screenings; however, women with disabilities are less likely to have been screened within the recommended guidelines. To encourage women with disabilities to get screened for breast cancer, CDC is promoting the facts about breast cancer and tips to make getting a quality mammogram and clinical examination easier through its campaign "Breast Cancer Screening: The Right to Know." Learn more about The Right to Know campaign's resources and materials like tip sheets by visiting the website: www.cdc.gov/righttoknow. These materials can assist health care professionals, organizations, and their partners effectively communicate the need for early and regular breast cancer screening for women living with physical disabilities.

Know the Facts: Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer

About 30% of women aged 40 years or older have a disability.¹In the United States in 2008, 76.2% of women aged 40 or older reported having a mammogram in the past two years, while women with a disability have a lower reported mammography rate than women without a disability (72.2% vs. 77.8%).¹

Tell a friend about the importance of getting a mammogram after age 40 by sending her an eCard:

Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is—

The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.
The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.
The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.²

In 2005 —

186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
41,116 women died from breast cancer.²
If you want to know more about breast cancer numbers, visit Statistics.

Getting Screened: Tips for Women with Disabilities

As a woman living with a disability, you may face a number of challenges that make it difficult to get a quality mammogram and clinical exam. Here are some tips to make it easier.

When scheduling a mammography, ask:

How should I dress?
How do I prepare if I use a wheelchair or a scooter?
Can the machine be adjusted so I can remain seated?
How long is the appointment and can I have additional time if I need it?

Let the scheduling staff know that you can/cannot:

Sit upright with or without assistance
Lift and move your arms
Transfer from your chair/scooter
Undress/dress without assistance

When preparing for your mammogram, remember:

Wear a blouse that opens in the front
Wear a bra that you can easily remove
Do not wear deodorant or body powder
Talk to your healthcare provider about any disability-related concerns

Hear their Stories: Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer

Hear Diane's story. Click here.
Transcript of Diane's story

As a young mother, a spinal cord injury left Diane with a disability. And at 40, she was first in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. She calls the cancer her wake-up call, and credits early detection with still being alive today.

Hear Judi's story.
Transcript of Judi's story

Judi, a cancer survivor who lives with cerebral palsy, reminds us that living with a disability does not make a woman immune to breast cancer. And early detection is the key to living.

Hear June's story. Click here. Transcript of June's story

June, who was born with cerebral palsy, says to ask for an accessible screening. Finding her cancer early allowed her to go on with her life. Screening allowed her to take control.

Hear Helen's story. Click here.
Transcript of Helen's story

Helen, a two-time cancer survivor, wants to be an inspiration to others. Despite her chronic rheumatoid arthritis, she leads a full and active life. Helen credits screening and early detection with still being alive today, and reminds us to take care of ourselves first if we want to be there for our loved ones. Helen's story is told in Spanish.

CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, 2008.
U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2005 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2009. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.