Cancer is Rising Among People With IDD. Screenings Save Lives.

Breast cancer awareness is always thought about in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, we really need to be thinking about the risk of this and other cancers for the people we support all year long. Often this is a risk that can be overlooked. According to a study published in 2024 people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to die of breast, lung, and colorectal cancer than the general population. People living with IDD were 2·28 times more likely to die of breast cancer, 2·57 times more likely to die of colorectal cancer, and 1·38 times more likely to die of lung cancer during the study period (2009–17) than those without IDD. These are world wide statistics.

So why are the death rates of cancer so high in people with intellectual disabilities? Multiple factors may play a role. It is believed that people with intellectual disabilities may have a challenging time participating in screening procedures for cancer. Another factor may be that treatment is often full of barriers. Treatment may be delayed. When a person receives treatment it may not be as intensive as it may have been for someone with the same diagnosis in the general population.

So, remember, not just in October, but in all months, we need to be thinking about cancer screenings. Screenings save lives. If the person you are supporting is struggling with the screening procedures, talk to the doctor about ways that may help. You may also wish to consider a social story. Think about implementing a desensitization program.