Cervical cancer screening in women with disabilities in Ghana: bridging the gap in access and equity

The burden of cervical cancer continues to grow in many limited-resource regions of the world. It is the third most common cancer in Ghana, and the second most common malignancy among women, with most cases detected at a late stage, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Cervical cancer is preventable through vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and screening for precancerous lesions. However, preventive interventions in Ghana face several challenges, including limited infrastructure, financial constraints and human resource shortages. The uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening remains low, with certain population groups, particularly women with disabilities being disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. Women with disabilities in Ghana encounter multiple systemic barriers to accessing cervical cancer screening services, including inaccessible healthcare facilities, the absence of disability-sensitive medical equipment and suboptimal communication with healthcare providers. These challenges contribute to markedly low screening uptake among this population, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poor clinical outcomes. The article highlights the critical need for focused research to inform the development of inclusive and equitable cervical cancer prevention and control strategies tailored to the needs of women with disabilities in Ghana.