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Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer

Thinking "breast cancer won't happen to me" is a risk no woman should take. Women with disabilities share the same risk. A mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast, is the best way to find cancer. Unfortunately, studies show that women with a disability are significantly less likely than women without a disability to get mammogram screenings as recommended by CDC¹.

According to a 2011 CDC study:¹

Proportionately fewer women with a disability have mammograms as recommended than women without a disability.
Read study's summary.

Having a screening mammogram regularly is an important way to maintain good health. If breast cancer is found early, treatment can have a greater chance for success. Many women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer go on to live long and healthy lives.

In the United States in 2008, women with a disability aged 40 and older reported a lower rate of mammography use than women without a disability of the same ages (72.2% vs. 77.8%).² Studies also show higher rates of death related to breast cancer among women with a disability, even when diagnosed at the same stage as women without a disability.³ Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Statistics on Breast Cancer in Women

In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, behind lung cancer. Breast cancer is:

The most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity.
The most common cause of cancer-related death among Hispanic women.
The second most common cause of cancer-related death among Caucasian, African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.⁴

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute reported that in 2007, the latest year for which surveillance data are available: ⁴

202,964 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
40,598 women died from breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates in a new report that in 2011⁵:

230,480 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
39,520 women are expected to die from breast cancer.

"The Right to Know" About Breast Care Screening

CDC is encouraging women with disabilities to get screened for breast cancer through its campaign, "Breast Cancer Screening: The Right to Know." With information about mammograms and available resources, The Right to Know materials can empower more women with disabilities to take action for better breast care. The Right to Know materials can also assist health care professionals in effectively communicating the need for regular breast cancer screening for women living with physical disabilities.

Getting Screened: Tips for Women with Disabilities

As a woman living with a disability, you may face a number of challenges that make it difficult to get a quality mammogram and clinical exam. Here are some questions you can ask when scheduling your mammogram that can help you prepare for your appointment:

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 and can I have additional time if I need it?

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

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

When preparing for your mammogram, remember:

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

For more information about the kinds of tests used to screen for breast cancer, and to learn how you can be screened, see Screening.

CDC Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines⁶

If you are age 40-49, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are age 50-74, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a screening mammogram.

Where Can I Go to Get Screened?

Mammograms are performed at clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. For help scheduling an appointment, call your doctors' office.

Will My Health Insurance Pay for My Mammogram?

Most health insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid plans cover the cost of screening mammograms. Check your insurance coverage guidelines for more details.

Are you worried about the cost or currently don't have health insurance? CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost mammograms and education about breast cancer. Find out if you qualify.

Read their Stories: Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer

Transcript of Diane's story [PDF - 621 KB]

As a young mother, a spinal cord injury left Diane with a disability. And at 40, she was first in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. She calls the cancer her wake-up call, and credits early detection with still being alive today.

Transcript of Judi's story [PDF - 537 KB]

Judi, a cancer survivor who lives with cerebral palsy, reminds us that living with a disability does not make a woman immune to breast cancer. And early detection is the key to living.

Transcript of June's story [PDF - 911 KB]

June, who was born with cerebral palsy, says to ask for an accessible screening. Finding her cancer early allowed her to go on with her life. Screening allowed her to take control.

Transcript of Helen's story [PDF - 750 KB]

Helen, a two-time cancer survivor, wants to be an inspiration to others. Despite her chronic rheumatoid arthritis, she leads a full and active life. Helen credits screening and early detection with still being alive today, and reminds us to take care of ourselves first if we want to be there for our loved ones. Helen's story is told in Spanish.

Spread the Word!

Tell a friend about the importance of getting a mammogram sending her an eCard:

Courtney-Long E, Armour B, Frammartino B, Miller J, "Factors Associated with Self-Reported Mammography Use for Women with and Women without a Disability." Journal of Women's Health. 2011; 20:1279-1286.
CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, 2008.
McCarthy EP, Ngo LH, Roetzheim RG, et al. Disparities in breast cancer treatment and survival for women with disabilities. Annals of Internal Medicine 2006; 145:637–645.
U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2007 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2010. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs. Note: Incidence counts cover approximately 99% of the U.S. population and death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts.
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. American Cancer Society; 2011.
Screening for Breast Cancer, Topic Page. July 2010. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

More Information

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