Cancer prevention and health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory study of staff knowledge

Abstract

Findings of this study show that health promotion and cancer prevention activities for people with ID may be less than optimal. The importance of staff training in order to raise knowledge and awareness is highlighted. Educating both staff and people with ID about the early signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of a healthy lifestyle as a protective factor may help lead to more informed healthier lifestyle choices and lower cancer risk and morbidity.

Colorectal Cancer in People with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Unfortunately, lack of early identification is often attributed to poor knowledge about cancer and cancer screening in health and social care staff [58,78,81,83]. For example, 1 study [81] surveyed 324 social care staff, reporting that 89% had received little training in cancer care, whilst 83% noted their knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risks of cancer was limited.…”

“…One of the biggest difficulties is that PWIDs often find it difficult to communicate their pain and unease, and often react with unusual and sometimes challenging behaviour [82], such as quietness or overactivity. Many caregivers, however, may not be aware of the cancer risk of adults with IDs, meaning significant symptoms may be neglected and consequently long delays can occur between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis [83]. For this reason, caregivers need to be vigilant about complaints and/or changes in behaviour, to avoid the diagnosis being made too late [84,85].…”

Factors influencing the mammography utilization among Taiwanese women with intellectual disabilities, a nationwide population-based study

“…Women with ID are seldom targeted in health education, health promotion activities, and health screening (Hanna et al, 2011). In Taiwan, more than 80% of women with ID are diagnosed with severity more than mild.…”

“…Advancements in medicine have prolonged the life expectancies of women with ID; thus, the risk of breast cancer has also increased (Davies & Duff, 2001;Hanna, Taggart, & Cousins, 2011;Sullivan et al, 2003;. Approximately 50% of women with ID live up to 70 years; thus, the participants, aged 50-69 years, were in an age group subject to the highest risks of breast cancer (Sullivan et al, 2003;Taggart et al, 2011).…”

“…Because of cognitive impairment and communication difficulties among women with ID, discovering breast cancer symptoms early is a challenge for both caregivers and clinical personnel. Furthermore, women with ID must rely on caregivers' assistance during breast cancer screening (Hanna et al, 2011;Taggart et al, 2011). Women with ID do not understand why they need mammography and how it is performed; thus, they experience more fears and anxieties than women in the general population (Sullivan et al, 2003;Wilkinson, Deis, Bowen, & Bokhour, 2011).…”