Women with physical disability and the mammogram: An observational study to identify barriers and facilitators

Barriers to breast cancer screening in Australia: experiences of women with physical disabilities

“…, Poulos et al . ), the findings of this study indicate that there is inadequate, problematic translation from professional codes and guidelines to practice, highlighting the urgent need for education and training of health professionals to enable them to provide empathetic communication and optimal cancer screening programs for women with disabilities that are inclusive, individualised and responsive to their unique needs and requirements. While many of the difficulties participants encountered were associated with mammography, largely attended to by radiographers, nurses are well positioned to effect real change in this area given that women with disability are required to be provided with access to a nurse (Australian Government Department of Health ).…”

“…However, in Poulos et al . () observational study of women with physical disabilities undergoing mammograms, radiographers took control of the procedure, and their instructions and positioning of women with disabilities produced pain, anxiety, diminished dignity, involuntary spasms and fear, with some women slipping in and from their chairs. Even with radiographer positioning of the participants, not all the mammograms were successful.…”

“…Poulos et al . () conducted an observational study of 13 Australian women with physical disabilities undergoing a mammogram. Of the nine participants who were wheelchair bound, five were unable to keep the required position for successful mammography as they were unable to stand or sit erect and lean into the machine.…”

“…Poulos et al . () concluded that doctors and screening services personnel need to adequately assess women for prediction of mammography success and make available appropriate alternatives such as CBE and breast ultrasound to women who are not candidates for successful mammography.…”

Breast and cervical cancer screening for women with physical disabilities: A qualitative study of experiences and barriers

“…Studies of the participation of women with disabilities in breast cancer screening reveal that women with disabilities suffer more from physical barriers to transfer and parking compared with women without disabilities. Moreover, these barriers have a negative impact on the continuing participation of the women with disabilities in screening (Caban, Kuo, Raji, Tan, & Freeman, ; Piotrowski & Snell, ; Poulos, Balandin, Llewellyn, McCarthy, & Dark, ; Yankaskas et al, ).…”