Kenna F
Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash
Neurodivergent women are more likely to miss early warning signs of breast cancer, not because they are less aware, but because their brains process information, sensations, and routines differently. For women with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences, even everyday tasks require so much mental effort that other things, like self-check routines, can fall out of focus. What’s more worrying is that even if they experience symptoms, they are more likely to brush them off as they don’t feel urgent, or they might even skip scheduled screenings if they are busy with other tasks and obligations. Recognizing the challenges that can cause neurodivergent women to miss breast cancer warning signs can ensure that screening and education are more inclusive, practical, and supportive.
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Barriers to Spotting Breast Cancer Symptoms in Neurodivergent Women
Societal bias plays a surprisingly prominent role in neurodivergent women overlooking early breast cancer symptoms. This is because most breast cancer awareness messaging assumes a certain level of body awareness and comfort with medical systems. These assumptions don’t always align with neurodivergent thought patterns and lifestyles. The usual breast cancer awareness messaging of talking to your doctor if you notice “any lumps or changes in your breasts” is helpful for neurotypical women, but it does little for neurodivergent women. This is where a comprehensive guide to breast cancer comes in, as it lists a wide range of early breast cancer symptoms. This will help neurodivergent women know exactly what they need to look for so that they can have a discussion with their doctor.
Sensory differences can also play a major role in neurodivergent women missing breast cancer warning signs. Autistic and sensory-sensitive women may be accustomed to discomfort or unusual sensations in general, making it harder to distinguish what is new or concerning. Some women may also find self-checks uncomfortable or overstimulating, and so they may avoid touching or closely inspecting their breasts or rush through the check. In some cases, neurodivergent women may also interpret texture changes and pain differently, which means that even if they realize that they have a lump or some other serious change, they do not feel as alarmed by it and may even forget all about it. Creating a supportive space where neurodivergent women feel confident reporting any changes will help to address these issues.
Communication barriers further contribute to the challenges neurodivergent women face in identifying breast cancer symptoms. Many neurodivergent women hesitate to report their symptoms because they struggle to describe them clearly or because of previous negative experiences with healthcare professionals. While there are no studies comparing the breast cancer experience of neurodivergent and neurotypical women, there is a comparative study of autistic and non-autistic women’s experience of motherhood. The autistic moms were more likely to report feeling misunderstood by healthcare professionals and had greater anxiety compared to non-autistic moms. This study highlights the importance of tailoring education to fit neurodivergent needs, which would include concrete and precise explanations.
Empowering Neurodivergent Women to Notice Early Breast Cancer Warning Signs
Discussing these challenges is not about labelling neurodivergent women as less careful; instead, it is about understanding neurological differences to ensure that every woman is able to detect the early warning signs of breast cancer. Doctors should use clear language when discussing breast changes that should not be ignored. For instance, it’s natural for women to have lumps in their breasts, so it’s important to emphasize that doctors need to know about any “new lump” that develops, while also going into detail about what this lump would feel like. Explaining what constitutes “normal” is equally important, as some neurodivergent women have difficulty judging which changes are meaningful and which are not.
Most neurodivergent women use routines to stay grounded, so including breast health checks as a monthly habit can increase follow-through. A checklist with step-by-step instructions or a sensory-friendly guide with clear visuals can make self-monitoring a lot easier. Neurodivergent women who have anxiety regarding their health or doctors’ appointments should talk to a neurodivergent-affirming therapist. These therapists understand and validate neurodivergent traits and guide women on self-advocacy. This also gives neurodivergent women a space to process their emotions and helps them avoid masking so that they are able to have in-depth and honest conversations with their doctors.
Shaun DMello is a prolific writer who has worked with many health and wellness brands for over a decade. Aside from fitness, nutrition, natural medicine, and healthcare technology, he also has expertise in public health, sharing tips to cope with pandemics and natural disasters. When he’s not writing, you can find him reading a good book, curled up on a recliner, jostling for space with his four cats.
