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

Abstract #113061

Patricia Welch Saleeby, PhD, School of Social Welfare, University of Missouri - St. Louis, One University Blvd., Lucas Hall 583, St. Louis, MO 63121, 314-516-4654, saleebyp@umsl.edu

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women and the most common reason for new cancer cases. While every woman is at risk for developing breast cancer, women with disabilities are at a higher risk due to numerous factors including less access to breast health screening and diagnostic services than any other group of women. In fact, women with disabilities are less likely to have a screening or diagnostic mammogram as well as a clinical breast exam than women without disabilities. Contributing to breast health disparities are physical barriers such as inaccessible health care facilities and non-adapted medical equipment as well as educational barriers such as lack of information specifically targeted to women with disabilities and lack of knowledge among breast health care providers in working with women with disabilities. To address the unique issues and concerns of women with disabilities as a significantly underserved population, Paraquad Center for Independent Living initiated a comprehensive program emphasizing breast health awareness, education, and access for women with disabilities. This presentation will describe the implemented program, review evaluative data in conjunction with the program, and discuss the outcomes impacting women with disabilities in improving their breast health services and reducing their breast health disparities.

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