Making reasonable adjustments to cancer services for people with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities do not access or engage with proactive cancer screening in line with those without learning disabilities. As a result, they often experience delays in diagnosis and treatment for cancer, leading to suboptimal health outcomes and, in some cases, premature mortality. This article explores how the legal requirement for public bodies to make reasonable adjustments to ensure people with learning disabilities can use their services can have a positive effect on patient outcomes and experience. In cancer services this applies across the patient pathway, from access to screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge. The authors use case studies to illustrate how reasonable adjustments can be made for individuals with learning disabilities in accessing cancer care. They also provide readers with the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and explain how to make small, achievable reasonable adjustments in their clinical areas.