Cancer Disparities Experienced by People with Disabilities

Abstract

People with disabilities, who represent a rapidly growing and seriously disadvantaged segment of the U.S. population, face unremitting barriers to equal and accessible healthcare and a high prevalence of chronic health conditions. A slowly growing body of research suggests multiple cancer-related disparities between people with and without disabilities. This commentary identifies multiple aspects of the cancer experience and highlights ways cancer is impacted by disability. This includes vulnerabilities to risk factors, barriers to accessing healthcare, and disparities in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The authors offer six essential pathways for reducing cancer disparities faced by people with disabilities. It is clear that reducing cancer health disparities experienced by people with disabilities will require the commitment and cooperation of a wide range of stakeholders.