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New and Innovative Collaboration |
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A “Cross-Disability” Resource Center |
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Center for independent living of north central florida |
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University of Florida and Center for Independent Living work to remove barriers to breast cancer screening for women with physical disabilities
Women with physical disabilities have the same or greater risk of developing breast cancer as other women, yet breast cancer screening in this population can be challenging.
Women’s Independence Through Health ~ Universal Screening Solutions (WITH~USS) - a partnership between the University of Florida and the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida - is striving to elucidate these challenges by examining the facilitators and barriers to nationally recommended breast cancer screening for women with physical disabilities. This work is funded by a Special Population Grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The study draws from the expertise of a Steering Committee comprising individuals from local-, state, and national-level organizations and communities. The WITH~USS team (Ellen López, Eva Egensteiner, Elena Andresen, Lisa Hannold, William Kennedy, Melissa Lanzone, Kim Trematore, and Vijay Vasudevan) are conducting in-depth interviews with 30 women with disabilities and 30 health-care providers to learn their perspectives on cancer screening facilitators and barriers.
Additionally, six women and providers will partner in a pilot study to assess the feasibility and benefits of taking digital photographs during an actual health-care visit. Drawing from the innovative research method, Photovoice, participants will be able to take photographs that literally ‘show and tell’ the factors that impact breast cancer screening.
Study results will be shared, discussed, and prioritized during interactive forums with study participants. This research is just one step in identifying issues that are important to women with disabilities and their providers, and will set the stage for them to be involved as partners in future endeavors. For more information, please contact the study’s Principal Investigator, Ellen D. S. López, or visit the WITH~USS website at http://withuss.phhp.ufl.edu/ |
