Differences in cervical and breast cancer screening among women with and without disabilities in the United States, BRFSS, 2004

Background. Previous research has suggested that the preventive healthcare needs of women with disabilities often go unmet. We discuss analysis of surveillance data to identify disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening use among women with and without disabilities.

Methods. Data from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to estimate disability prevalence and state-level differences in the receipt of recommended breast and cervical cancer screenings among women with and without disabilities.

Results. Women with disabilities were less likely than those without disabilities to report receiving a clinical breast exam in the past year (59.5% vs. 65.6%; p<0.01), a mammogram in the past year (53.2% vs. 59.6%; p<0.01), or a mammogram in the past two years (70.9% vs. 75.4%; p<0.01). Similarly, women with disabilities were less likely than those without disabilities to report receiving a Papanicolaou test in the past three years (80.9% vs. 85.6%; p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of women with and without disabilities who reported ever receiving a Papanicolaou test (94.3% vs. 94.2%; p=0.82).

Conclusions. This epidemiologic evidence identifies an opportunity for federal, state, and local stakeholders to form new partnerships to better align disability and cancer screening programs and policies. Furthermore, it identifies the need for comprehensive cancer plans that will enhance public awareness and increase resource allocation to improve cervical and breast cancer screening for women with disabilities.