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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Virginia Miller, DrPH MS MPH, Center for Healthcare Effectiveness Research and Department of OB/GYN, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Room 121 Shiffman Medical Library, 4325 Brush Street, Detroit, MI 48201, 313.993.1332, vmiller@med.wayne.edu

Cancer-related health disparities in morbidity, mortality and health services utilization have been identified as important public health problems. Healthy People 2010 set a goal to increase the proportion of women 18 years of age and older who receive a Pap test within the preceding three years to 90 percent. A strategic plan to reduce health disparities by the National Cancer Institute underscores their significance. Among women with physical disabilities, only limited data are available about the cervical cancer screening practices, especially among minority and low-income groups. Informal reports indicate numerous architectural and attitudinal barriers as well as influences associated with socioeconomic status among women with physical disabilities. Late or no entry into cancer screening programs leads to more advanced, less treatable stages at diagnosis and resulting higher mortality rates. This has been well illustrated with breast cancer screening among minority women (Chevarley & White, 1997). Disparities in health outcomes related to reduced access to cervical cancer screening may be more pronounced for women with physical disabilities from low income and minority groups. This presentation will outline a collaborative, interdisciplinary project to assess if women with physical disabilities have reduced access to and participation in secondary prevention services for cervical cancer. With the objective of comparing the frequency of Pap smears and pelvic exams among women with disabilities to the frequency among women in the general population, the methodological challenges of employing a community-based approach for the identification and recruitment of study participants will be described.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the challenges associated with cervical cancer screening among women with disabilities.
• Understand the role of community-based groups in guiding increased participation in cervical cancer screening and follow up services.

Keywords: Access and Services,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation