Breast Cancer Screening for Women With Physical Disabilities

Introduction

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United Spinal Association and Independence Care System (ICS) are hosting an educational meeting for health care professionals to address inaccessible facilities, equipment and attitudes surrounding breast cancer screening for women who use wheelchairs or other mobility aides.

The meeting will present data from ICS's Breast Cancer Screening Project for Women with Physical Disabilities, which has found that women with physical disabilities are more likely to need increased time for mammograms, require an extra technologist, and receive compromised imaging of breast tissue (i.e., a failure to visualize the whole breast and possibly, a cancer).

The project, now in its third year, is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness and present solutions to health disparities of women with disabilities. It was launched with generous support from the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

"Working with our partner mammography facilities, we have found ways to improve access to breast cancer screening for women with physical disabilities," says Marilyn E. Saviola, founder and director of the Project, which is part of ICS's Access to Women's Health Care Program.

"Unfortunately, many mammography facilities remain inaccessible and unwelcoming, placing women with physical disabilities at great risk. We know that early detection is key to survival with this disease," she added.

The meeting will take place on March 2nd from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at United Spinal Association's National Headquarters--75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 120, Jackson Heights, NY.

Presenters will include Ms. Saviola and Susan C. Wolf, MD, PhD, clinical director of the Access to Women's Health Care Program.

About United Spinal Association - United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

About ICS - Independence Care System operates a nonprofit Medicaid managed long-term care plan in New York City. ICS was specifically designed to assist Medicaid-eligible adults with physical disabilities to live independently and participate fully in community life.