Addressing Colorectal Cancer Screening Gaps in People with IDD: Caregiver Insights

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, resulting in lower screening rates and worse health outcomes. Key challenges include low awareness of CRC risks among caregivers, communication difficulties, healthcare environments that are not disability-friendly, and stigma. Improving CRC prevention for this group requires disability-sensitive training for healthcare providers, accessible and inclusive healthcare settings, better educational resources, and systemic efforts to empower individuals with IDD and reduce social stigma. These measures can help promote earlier detection and improve health equity for people with IDD.