Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105752

JoAnn M. Thierry, PhD, MSW, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop E-88, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-3022, jxt4@cdc.gov

Background. Breast cancer is a concern for all women, including women with disabilities. These women are as likely as women without disabilities to have ever received a mammogram; however, they are significantly less likely to have been screened within recommended guidelines. Methods. A qualitative study exploring barriers to breast cancer screening for women with physical disabilities was conducted in seven regions across the United States. Participants were assigned to one of three focus group categories: Group A, women with disabilities who had never received a mammogram or had not received one within recommended guidelines (>2 years); Group B, women with disabilities who had received a mammogram within recommended guidelines £ 2 years; and Group C, women with disabilities who had survived breast cancer. The primary research question was, "What are the barriers to breast cancer screening for women with physical disabilities?" Additional subquestions were asked to explore perceived risks for breast cancer, knowledge of mammography, interactions with healthcare providers, preventive behaviors, and environmental barriers. Results. Barriers fell into three categories: attitudinal, environmental, and system barriers. Frequently cited barriers included: perceived susceptibility, pre-occupation with other health issues, provider attitudes, inaccessible facilities and equipment, positioning, provider training, and health communication. Conclusion. Improving screening rates requires multifaceted approaches at federal, state, and local levels that improve environmental access, enhance provider training, increase outreach to women with disabilities, and improve health communication. Better understanding of these barriers will lead to improved interventions directed at reducing morbidity and mortality among this population of women.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to

(
• Identify a minimum of three attitudinal, environmental, and/or system level barriers to mammography screening for women with physical disabilities; and (
• Identify a minimum of two strategies for removing barriers to breast cancer screening for women with physical disabilities.

Keywords: Disability, Breast Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.