Breast cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy in the United States of America. Sixteen percent of new cancer cases are breast neoplasms. An often-overlooked population is breast cancer patients with disabilities. This demographic experiences various physical and psychological hurdles, and a nuanced understanding of their specific needs to attend to patients’ care needs. Furthermore, the status of disabled patients can bring forms of discrimination (ableism), which can impact the quality of life and the outcomes of their medical treatment. Disabled individuals encounter higher cancer incidence and poorer prognosis. Provider facilities and services are generally unequipped to accommodate patients with disabilities. Breast cancer patients with disabilities are often excluded from clinical trials, which offer critical insight into this underserved population. In terms of the physiology behind breast cancer development, there are key genetic factors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations along with hormonal imbalances that play a crucial role in the development of the disease. For instance, postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to elevated levels of estrogen and androgen. Other environmental factors such as obesity and physical activity levels are also to be considered. Although there has been a large advance in breast cancer research and treatment, for those with disabilities, there is a lack of specialized treatment pathways, physical accommodations, and clinical trials available. The goal of this chapter is to emphasize the importance of addressing the intersection between disability, ableism, and breast cancer treatment.

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Survivorship Needs in Breast Cancer Patients with Disabilities

  • Ethan Goonaratne,
  • Abdul Ahad,
  • Muna Al-Khaifi

摘要

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy in the United States of America. Sixteen percent of new cancer cases are breast neoplasms. An often-overlooked population is breast cancer patients with disabilities. This demographic experiences various physical and psychological hurdles, and a nuanced understanding of their specific needs to attend to patients’ care needs. Furthermore, the status of disabled patients can bring forms of discrimination (ableism), which can impact the quality of life and the outcomes of their medical treatment. Disabled individuals encounter higher cancer incidence and poorer prognosis. Provider facilities and services are generally unequipped to accommodate patients with disabilities. Breast cancer patients with disabilities are often excluded from clinical trials, which offer critical insight into this underserved population. In terms of the physiology behind breast cancer development, there are key genetic factors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations along with hormonal imbalances that play a crucial role in the development of the disease. For instance, postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to elevated levels of estrogen and androgen. Other environmental factors such as obesity and physical activity levels are also to be considered. Although there has been a large advance in breast cancer research and treatment, for those with disabilities, there is a lack of specialized treatment pathways, physical accommodations, and clinical trials available. The goal of this chapter is to emphasize the importance of addressing the intersection between disability, ableism, and breast cancer treatment.