Oct. 2, 2014

Get Screened! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A Message from the National Executive Director for Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2014

Health equity for Canadians with disabilities – that is, access to preventative health care and treatment that is free from physical, economic, social and attitudinal barriers, has yet to be achieved.

Throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, DAWN-RAFH Canada will be sharing research and stories to raise awareness of the barriers which limit access to health care, along with resources and information to address them. In particular, we will focus on the issues and solutions related to breast health and breast cancer care for women with disabilities and Deaf women.

We will also be launching our Public Service Announcement (PSA) on cancer screening. The PSA features women and men with varying abilities saying the words “I got screened!” It also provides information about why cancer screening is necessary and important for people with disabilities as well as an important acknowledgement from health care providers about their responsibility to ensure that screening is accessible and inclusive in their practice.

Our 2013 Environmental Scan on Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer Screening remains relevant, as there has been little new research in this area, in Canada or elsewhere.

We would also like to take this opportunity to share the results of our pilot project “Our Health Matters”. This two-year community development project addressed health equity by working directly with people with disabilities and service provider in 13 local communities across Canada. “Our Health Matters” is now ready to move to an on-going program delivery phase, so that DAWN-RAFH Canada and our partners at the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) can work with our partners in community and government to continue to address barriers to health equity for people with disabilities and Deaf people.

Throughout October, we encourage you to check our website regularly for new information, resources and stories about the challenges and successes that women with disabilities and Deaf women in particular have faced in getting equitable breast cancer treatment.

To receive DAWN-RAFH Canada’s updates directly in your inbox subscribe here! You can also “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to show your support for health equity for people with disabilities! And remember – Get Screened!