Exploring Inclusion in Austria's Breast Cancer Screening:A Dual-Perspective Study of Women with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Caregivers.

ABSTRACT: Women with intellectual disabilities (IDs) face persistent health inequities, particularly in preventive services such as breast cancer screening, where participation rates remain disproportionately low. These disparities contribute to higher mortality and poorer survivorship outcomes, often linked to later-stage diagnoses. To better understand these challenges and inform the development of inclusive screening programs, this qualitative study conducted in Austria explored barriers, facilitators, and needs related to breast cancer screening from the dual perspectives of 17 women with mild-to-moderate IDs aged 45 and older and 10 caregivers. Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were analyzed thematically within a constructivist framework, integrating perspectives from both groups. Bar

SUBMITTER: Wagner T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840729 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature