Access to breast cancer screening programs for women with disabilities.

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to identify measures to facilitate access to the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program for women with activity limitations, considering the barriers to screening uptake in that population.

METHODS

The study was carried out in three stages. First, 124 semi-structured interviews were conducted in five regions of Quebec with five groups of key informants. The content analysis lead to the identification of 64 proposals, which were submitted to 31 experts through a two-round Delphi survey process. Finally, consultations were held with 11 resource people to determine which decision-making levels (local, regional, provincial) could play a key role in implementing the proposals.

RESULTS

A strong consensus (≥80%) was achieved for 25 proposals seen as highly relevant and feasible.

DISCUSSION

The implementation of such proposals could substantially improve access to screening, given the prevalence of activity limitations in the age group targeted by the program.