Aims: Adopting a social model of disability, Cancer Council developed the Disability and Cancer Care policy to address the inequities in access to cancer screening, diagnostic tests and treatment often experienced by people with disability that lead to poorer cancer outcomes and experiences.
Methods: A literature review and consultation with individuals and organisations with expertise in the disability and cancer sector were conducted to understand the factors that influence the experiences and outcomes of cancer for people living with disability. Further policy analysis and evidence reviews were undertaken to shape policy priorities. Policy priorities were refined following further expert consultation, including external peer review.
Results: Four overarching priority areas emerged: 1) improve the collection and reporting of data on disability and cancer; 2) investigate the existing experiences of people with disability and cancer in Australia; 3) develop an Optimal Care Pathway for people with disability to support mainstream health services to be accessible and action adjustments required to ensure optimal cancer care; 4) understand the support needs of people with disability to ensure continuity of care during cancer screening and care to maintain independence and wellbeing.
Conclusions: Through collaboration across all levels of government, social services, health departments, non-government organisations and service providers, cancer services can be more accessible and inclusive, supporting continuity of care and ensuring that disability is not a barrier to optimal care.