Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer Screening

Finding breast cancer early can save lives

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Thinking "breast cancer won't happen to me" may prevent people from seeking screenings. That is a risk no woman should take.

Having a screening mammogram regularly is an important way to maintain good health. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast.

A mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat. Mammography may be able to find breast cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

• If breast cancer is found early, treatment can have a greater chance for success.
• Many women who are diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer live long and healthy lives.

Screening rates for women with disabilities

Women with disabilities are less likely to have received a mammogram during the past two years1

Percentage of U.S. Adult Women 50–74 Years of Age Who Received a Mammogram During the Past 2 Years, By Disability Status—2010 National Household Interview Survey (NHIS)*

^* CDC/NCHS. National Health Interview Survey Data, 2010.3

Getting screened: tips for women with disabilities

If you are a woman living with a disability, you may face challenges that make it hard to get a mammogram.

Questions to ask when scheduling your mammogram

• 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?
• Can I have more time if I need it?

Information to share with staff

Let the scheduling staff, radiology technicians, or radiologist know if you can/cannot

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

How to prepare for your mammogram

• Wear a blouse that opens in the front.
• Wear a bra that you can remove easily.
• Do not wear deodorant or body powder.
• Discuss any disability-related concerns with your primary care physician, women's health specialist, radiologist, physician's assistant, or other healthcare professional.

CDC's work to improve mammography use among women with disabilities

CDC, in coordination with its partners, is working to help more women with disabilities get screened for breast cancer. Here are a few examples:

• "Every Woman Matters: Portraits of Montana Women Living with Disabilities" is a multimedia exhibit created by The Montana Disability and Health Program to highlight the importance of breast cancer screening among women with physical disabilities. Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City, Montana, hosts the exhibit as part of its 'Pink Night Out' breast cancer awareness event. Information on where to find and plan for accessible mammography is organized in the online Montana Mammography Directory.
• The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Disability and Health Program has worked closely with the NYSDOH Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) to increase providers' understanding on how to better serve women with disabilities. A continuing education module was developed for providers, and a question regarding the need for an accommodation was added to the 1-800 number to access BCCEDP services.
• The Oregon Office on Disability and Health has a directory to better inform Oregon women with disabilities of the accessibility/usability features of their area mammography facilities. They are working with one of their regional Americans with Disabilities (ADA) centers on promoting their accessibility resources for facilities interested in improving ADA accessibility.
• The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)'s TOOLBOX provides links to tools that will
  • Increase knowledge about recommended services.
  • Identify service gaps.
  • Identify accessible healthcare facilities and transportation.
  • Improve healthcare interactions between clinicians and women with disabilities.
• CDC's "Breast Cancer Screening: The Right To Know" Campaign raises awareness about breast cancer among women with physical disabilities and encourages women to get screened. The campaign developed a family of health promotion materials and featured four women with physical disabilities who have survived breast cancer.

Resources