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Melbourne, May 31, 2025 — A recent global review has revealed a stark and troubling reality: people with disabilities are far more likely to die from cancer than those without disabilities, largely due to preventable factors such as missed screenings, delayed diagnoses, and inadequate access to quality care.
Missed Screenings and Delayed Diagnoses
The comprehensive study, which analyzed 73 international research papers, found that individuals with disabilities are routinely missing out on life-saving cancer screening programs for conditions such as breast, cervical, and bowel cancer. As a result, cancers in this group are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, dramatically reducing survival rates.
For example, a UK study cited in the review reported that over one-third of cancer cases among people with intellectual disabilities were only detected after emergency hospital visits, with nearly half of these cancers already at an advanced stage.
Barriers to Quality Care
The review also highlighted that, even after diagnosis, people with disabilities face additional hurdles. They are more likely to receive delayed or substandard treatment, have less access to pain management, and encounter physical and systemic barriers within healthcare facilities. Discriminatory attitudes and a lack of tailored support further exacerbate these disparities.
In Australia, cancer is responsible for about 20% of the excess deaths among people with disabilities compared to the general population, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Underlying Causes
Several factors contribute to these inequities:
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Socioeconomic Disadvantage: People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty and face higher risks from cancer-causing factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and alcohol consumption.
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Additional Health Conditions: Co-existing health issues can overshadow routine cancer screenings and care.
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Inaccessible Healthcare: Many medical facilities and diagnostic tools are not designed with accessibility in mind, making it hard for people with disabilities to receive timely care.
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Communication Barriers: Individuals with intellectual disabilities often require extra time and support to understand and consent to medical procedures, a resource often lacking in overstretched public health systems.
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Discrimination: Both direct and indirect discrimination in healthcare settings can lead to poorer outcomes for people with disabilities.
Steps Toward Inclusive Cancer Care
Experts argue that to close this gap, cancer control strategies must be inclusive at every stage:
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Prevention: Public health campaigns and lifestyle programs should be co-designed with people with disabilities to ensure relevance and accessibility.
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Early Detection: Screening programs must actively include people with disabilities, with accessible clinics, information in multiple formats, and sufficient time for informed consent.
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Personalized Care: Cancer care should be tailored to individual needs, with support for decision-making and communication.
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Professional Training: Healthcare providers need better training to understand and respond to the unique needs of people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual disabilities.
A Call to Action
The findings are a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and society at large. Ensuring equitable access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for people with disabilities is not just a medical issue—it’s a matter of social justice and human rights.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a review of international research studies and expert opinions as reported by The Economic Times Health. The information provided is for general awareness and should not substitute professional medical advice. For personalized guidance or concerns regarding cancer screening and care, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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