Overcoming challenges in diagnosing and treating cancers in people with intellectual disability: a case analysis

Purpose – The diagnosis and management of cancer in people with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs) are fraught with difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study to highlight these difficulties. Design/methodology/approach – The present case analysis describes the presentation of a 56-year-old man with a profound intellectual disability, who developed recurrent chest infections and died as a result of obstructive pneumonitis. Findings – Despite a presentation over several years and numerous chest X-rays demonstrating a consistent lung abnormality, it was only on postmortem examination that a right-sided lung carcinoma was detected. Originality/value – The papers have provided an update on the topic in light of recent legislations and management strategies which need to be applied to clinical practice if any improvement is to happen in the care of PWID.