Learning Disability Week 20-26th June: Learning Disability and cancer
Mencap says the week ‘is all about making sure the world hears what life is like if you have a learning disability’.
Searching their site using the word cancer brings you links to a range of downloadable easy-read information on aspects of cancer.
Cancer Research UK has a different range of links including information books set out as ‘real-life stories’ which may be easier to relate to. It includes a story about a woman with Down’s Syndrome who is told she has cancer - this story covers how scared she feels as well as what treatment is offered.
Macmillan also produces a range of 58 easy-read titles which can be ordered from Be.Macmillan
Health inequalities:
NHS research indicates that people with learning disabilities have poorer general health, and are more likely to die younger than the general population. Their uptake of cancer screening is lower and they have a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer. And there is evidence that people with a learning disability do not take up their annual GP health check.
For health professionals who want to increase their understanding of the experience of people with learning disabilities who they may meet in healthcare settings, Macmillan have produced the very readable 7 Steps to Equal Healthcare. It covers empathy for the life experiences of people with a learning disability; good practice guidance in communication; finding out what matters to the person and who is important in their life; who are the other professionals who can help, such as learning disability nurses; giving information in an understandable way and breaking bad news; ensuring the environment is comfortable; considering all alternatives of treatment no matter how difficult to find ways that work for the person. A perfect fit with the aims of Learning Disability week!