American Association on Health and Disability
American Association on Health and Disability

American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) Launches "Empowerment Exchange" in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Washington, DC, October 16, 2018 --(PR.com)-- The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) in Rockville, MD is urging women with disabilities to ask themselves when is the last time they were screened for breast cancer. Breast cancer is a major public health concern for all women, including women with disabilities. Women with disabilities are as likely to get breast cancer as women in the general population and often face accessibility challenges related to physical, cultural and attitudinal barriers when seeking breast health screenings.

During October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AAHD has launched a Podcast entitled, “Empowerment Exchange.” https://www.aahd.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BreastHealthpodcast.mp3
AAHD is urging women with disabilities to be strong self-advocates and ask themselves one question: When did I have my last clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider and when did I have my last screening mammogram?

Roberta Carlin, AAHD Executive Director and breast cancer survivor, states, “If the answer is I do not remember, it was probably too long ago and you are likely overdue for your screening. There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, so it is important for women with disabilities to be their own advocate, be an active participant in their healthcare and get regular screenings.” Early detection saves lives and will work towards reducing health disparities between women with disabilities and the general population when it comes to breast cancer.

Along with the release of the “Empowerment Exchange” Podcast, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AAHD is offering at no cost, on-line access to the “Tips for Women with Disabilities in Understanding Breast Cancer,” https://www.aahd.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/KomenTipSheets_06092016.pdf and strongly encourages women to share the Podcast and “Tips” with their family, friends and health care providers.

Over the last decade, AAHD has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to educate women with disabilities and health care providers on the importance of breast health screening and accessibility challenges. Currently, AAHD and Susan G. Komen Foundation are partnering on “Lightning Can Strike Twice,” a community project which consists of educational workshops and coaching sessions for women in the District of Columbia, emphasizing Wards 2, 5, 7, & 8.

To learn more about AAHD and Susan G. Komen partnerships, please visit
https://www.aahd.us/initiatives/susan-g-komen-grants/

Contact: Roberta Carlin, MS, JD
AAHD Executive Director
301-545-6140 ext. 206
rcarlin@aahd.us
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American Association on Health and Disability
Roberta Carlin
301-545-6140
www.aahd.us
Emily Siegel
esiegel@aahd.us
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