The Breast Cancer Treatment Experience for a Breast Cancer Patient Living with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in Ontario, Canada: A Critical Realist Case Study
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| Title: | The Breast Cancer Treatment Experience for a Breast Cancer Patient Living with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in Ontario, Canada: A Critical Realist Case Study |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rebecca Hansford, Helene Ouellette-Kuntz, Virginie Cobigo, Alyson Mahar |
| Source: | British Journal of Learning Disabilities. 2026 54(1):3-14. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Cancer, Patients, Females, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Outcomes of Treatment, Surgery, Attitudes, Interpersonal Relationship, Participative Decision Making, Medical Services, Advocacy, Access to Health Care, Clinical Diagnosis, Case Studies |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.70007 |
| ISSN: | 1354-4187 1468-3156 |
| Abstract: | Background: Adult females with intellectual or developmental disabilities are more likely to die following a breast cancer diagnosis. Differences in access to cancer treatment may contribute to these survival differences. We explored how one woman with intellectual or developmental disabilities received guideline-recommended breast cancer treatment. Methods: A critical realist case study was used. The single case included a woman with intellectual or developmental disabilities previously diagnosed with breast cancer (pseudonym: Sandra), her support worker, and her surgeon. We conducted four semi-structured interviews with (1) Sandra and her support worker, (2) her support worker, (3) her surgeon and (4) her sister. Data were analyzed using critical realist thematic analysis. Neurodiverse advisors assisted with developing easy-read and accessible study materials. Findings: Sandra had stage II breast cancer and received guideline-recommended breast cancer treatment. Four themes were identified that influenced her breast cancer treatment: attitudes, relationships, shared decision-making and accessible accommodations, and advocacy. Conclusions: This case study provides a positive example of the type of care adult females with intellectual or developmental disabilities diagnosed with breast cancer can receive and could inform strategies for improving gaps in care including the involvement of patient navigators trained in working with this patient group. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496551 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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