Mammography is a technique using X-rays to diagnose and locate tumors of the breasts. Women with disabilities can take three steps to ensure having a successful experience with mammography.
- Making sure your healthcare provider refers you to have a mammogram,
- Finding a facility that meets your needs for accessibility, and
- Working with the mammography technician to get in the right position for scanning as much of your breast tissue as possible.
Once your healthcare provider advises you to get a mammogram, you may need to call various facilities and ask about their ability to examine you while sitting in your wheelchair, or accommodate other disability issues, such as scoliosis or problems raising your arms over your head. The American Association on Health and Disability has conducted years of research in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation on access to mammograms. On their website they have compiled many useful materials for women with disabilities, including a fact sheet on access to mammography in English and Spanish.
Additional Resources
- Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Disabilities
United Spinal Association
- Fact Sheets and Breast Self-Awareness Cards for Women with Disabilities
Susan G. Komen Foundation
- Women with Disabilities, Mammography, and Mammography Access
American Association on Health and Disability
- Access to Women’s Health Equipment
Article by Tom Scott
- The Dreaded, But Necessary, Annual X-Ray
Article by Sue LoTempio
- The Enemy Within, The Battle Without: Fighting for Accessible Breast Cancer Services
Article by Rachel Ross
- It’s Not Easy, But You Must Get Your Mammogram
Article by Sheri Denkensohn-Trott
Reference List
1. Oxford University Press. Lexico. 2019; www.lexico.com. Accessed April 18, 2020.
