People with intellectual disabilities (ID) face significant barriers when it comes to participating in population-based cancer screening programs, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Public Health journal. The research, conducted by Radboudumc and the academic collaborative Intellectual Disability and Health, revealed that individuals with ID are much less likely to take part in screenings for cervical, breast, and colon cancer compared to the general population.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 200,000 individuals with ID, found that participation rates in cancer screenings were significantly lower among this group. For instance, only 45% of individuals with ID participated in cervical cancer screening, compared to 68% of those without ID. Similar disparities were observed in breast and colon cancer screenings.
Moreover, the results of the screenings were more often inconclusive in people with ID, leading to challenges in follow-up examinations and delays in diagnosis and treatment. Ph.D. candidate Amina Banda, the lead author of the study, emphasized the need for tailored support and improved accessibility in population screening programs for individuals with ID.
Project leader Dr. Maarten Cuypers highlighted the importance of aligning screening procedures with the specific needs of people with ID to ensure better outcomes. As a response to the study findings, the Dutch Association of Intellectual Disability Physicians (NVAVG) is developing a guide to assist care providers in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with ID during cancer screenings.
Dr. Esther Bakker-van Gijssel, chairman of the working group for the guide, emphasized the significance of the upcoming resource in promoting better participation in population screening among individuals with ID. Additionally, the RIVM, which oversees population screening in the Netherlands, is actively involved in efforts to enhance the accessibility of screening information for people with intellectual disabilities.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of providing tailored support and improving accessibility in cancer screening programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By addressing these barriers, healthcare providers can ensure that this vulnerable population receives timely and effective screening services, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
