When COVID-19 hit its peak, hospitals and screening facilities across the country did the right thing by cancelling patient appointments for screening mammograms, colonoscopies, skin checks, digital exams, and other routine measures for detecting cancer. Patients with no or low- risk factors were put on hold first, then as the pandemic continued, cancer survivors or those with an early-stage disease added to the list.
With each delay and each month that marches by, the pandemic has worsened instead of improved. There was hope when people were more diligent and taking precautions by wearing masks and social distancing, but due to fatigue, those precautions have become more relaxed. As a result, the delays in cancer screenings can no longer wait, and we need to get patients in for their appointments.
Are people afraid to come in? YES, especially since we canceled their prior appointments when the incidence of COVID-19 was frankly less than it is today. But now there are extensive and comprehensive measures healthcare facilities have taken to keep our patients safe.
There are many people with cancer right now who don't know it because they have not been able to get a screening. Not only might they have cancer, they may have a higher stage if they are not screened as soon as possible.
Read more about cancer screenings, and let’s get our patients scheduled!
