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News
A new study finds that U.S. adults with disabilities are far less likely to get routine cancer screenings — and the gaps are striking. Those with self-care disabilities were 37% less likely to be screened for cervical cancer and 31% less likely for breast cancer. Researchers call the findings "cause for alarm" and a clear call to action.
A large national study has found that U.S. adults with disabilities are significantly less likely to undergo routine cancer screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers — and the disparities grow worse as disability-related difficulty increases. Researchers from the American Cancer Society analyzed pooled data from over 29,000 adults in the 2021 and 2023 National Health Interview Surveys, finding consistent screening gaps across six disability domains: vision, hearing, mobility, communication, cognition, and self-care.
The most striking gaps appeared among those with self-care disabilities — people who have difficulty dressing or bathing. These individuals were dramatically less likely to be screened across all three cancer types. Senior author Priti Bandi, PhD, called the magnitude and consistency of the disparities "cause for alarm," noting that the unscreened population represents millions of people who could miss early detection or prevention opportunities. There was one bright spot: adults with mobility and self-care difficulties were actually more likely to use at-home stool testing for colorectal cancer — suggesting that accessible, home-based screening options could help close the gap.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings expose a major equity gap in cancer prevention. With millions of eligible adults with disabilities going unscreened, clinicians and policymakers must prioritize accessible, at-home screening options and targeted outreach to prevent an avoidable burden of cancer deaths.
