People with disability are being left behind in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services. As a result, they are more likely to be diagnosed late and less likely to survive cancer compared to people without disability. Our recent study highlights the stark inequities embedded in global cancer care systems—and offers practical ways to address them.
Cancer Screening Often Misses People with Disability
Cancer screening saves lives by detecting the disease early, often before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis increases treatment options and improves outcomes. However, people with disability are consistently missing out on these vital screening programmes, including for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer.
Our review of 73 global studies found that people with disability are not only under-screened, but also more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage. In some cases, diagnoses occurred only after patients visited emergency departments—when cancers had already progressed.
Survival Rates Are Lower After Diagnosis
As reported by thepatriot.in, even after receiving a diagnosis, people with disability face poorer survival outcomes. Several studies reveal that this population experiences delays in treatment, undertreatment, or even overly aggressive and invasive interventions. Many also struggle to access essential hospital services, including pain relief and supportive care.
A UK study on cancer deaths among people with intellectual disability found that emergency care diagnosed over one-third of them. Nearly half had advanced-stage cancer at diagnosis. These findings highlight how delayed detection significantly affects survival.
Barriers Across the Cancer Care Journey
From diagnosis to treatment, disable people face systemic exclusion from services that others routinely access. This trend holds true across many countries—including Australia—where cancer accounts for approximately 20% of the excess deaths among disable people.
Several factors contribute to this crisis:
- Socioeconomic disadvantage: Disable people are more likely to live in poverty and face greater exposure to cancer risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol misuse, and poor diet.
- Complex health needs: Co-existing health conditions often overshadow preventive care, making cancer screening less of a priority.
- Inaccessible healthcare infrastructure: Clinics and diagnostic equipment are not always physically accessible, and services may lack accommodations for mobility, communication, or cognitive challenges.
- Systemic discrimination: Health professionals may hold unconscious biases, make assumptions based on disability, or fail to involve patients in care decisions.
Taking Action: Making Cancer Care Inclusive
To make cancer control effective and inclusive for people with disability, we must act across multiple areas:
- Prevention Programmes Must Be Inclusive
Disabled people must co-design public health initiatives—such as anti-smoking campaigns and healthy lifestyle programmes—tailored to their diverse needs.
- Ensure Equal Access to Early Detection
National screening programmes should actively include people with disability. This means:- Ensuring physical access to clinics and equipment
- Providing information in accessible formats (e.g., braille, easy-read, audio)
- Allowing sufficient time for informed consent and patient support
- Support Informed Decision-Making
Healthcare providers must personalize cancer care. They should support people with disability to participate in treatment decisions. This involves communicating clearly, allowing time for questions, and including patients meaningfully in care planning.
- Train Healthcare Providers
Health professionals must be trained to understand the needs of disable people and to adjust care accordingly—particularly for patients with intellectual disability. Empathy, flexibility, and communication are key.
Conclusion: Equity in Cancer Care Saves Lives
We should include people with disability in life-saving cancer services. With targeted interventions, inclusive health practices, and system-wide changes, we can close the gap in cancer outcomes and ensure that everyone—regardless of ability—receives the care they need and deserve.