A number of barriers prevent people with disabilities from accessing timely and effective health care (Victorian Health Promotion Foundation 2012). Barriers include physical limitations, competing health needs, the trauma of undergoing invasive procedures, potential barriers associated with obtaining informed consent, failure to provide assistance with communication, lack of information and discriminatory attitudes among healthcare staff (Victorian Health Promotion Foundation 2012).

In caring for women with disabilities and a cancer diagnosis, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare disability flag should be used at the point of admittance to correctly identify and address the additional requirements of a woman with limitations. Facilities should actively address access requirements, and health practitioners should consider reasonable adjustments where required.