Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness and the IDD Population

By Jarris Coles RN, MSN (Community Based Nurse)

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness brings attention to stage IV breast cancer on October 13, which occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to other areas of the body, most commonly the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Although metastatic breast cancer is generally not considered curable, treatment can help slow or control the disease, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Awareness is especially important for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) because they can experience barriers to breast cancer screening and early detection. Research has found that adults with IDD have lower odds of receiving breast cancer screening than adults without IDD. Barriers may include difficulty understanding what a mammogram involves, anxiety or fear about the procedure, communication challenges, physical accessibility needs, and the need for additional assistance from caregivers or healthcare professionals. These challenges can make timely screening and recognition of changes more difficult.

Families, caregivers, direct support professionals, and healthcare providers can help by encouraging recommended breast cancer screening, explaining procedures in an understandable and reassuring way, arranging reasonable accommodations, and paying attention to changes such as a new breast lump, breast or nipple changes, unexplained pain, unusual fatigue, or other changes from the person's usual health status. Every person with IDD deserves accessible, respectful, and person-centered cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and support.

References and resources:
‍
The National Cancer Institute's Metastatic Breast Cancer information page provides information about metastatic breast cancer, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials.   

Arana-Chicas, E., Kioumarsi, A.,Carroll-Scott, A., Massey, P. M., Klassen, A. C., & Yudell, M. (2020). Barriers and facilitators to mammography among women with intellectualdisabilities: A qualitative approach. Disability & Society, 35(8),1290–1314.   

PCHC Breast Cancer Awareness