Many questions are swirling right now about COVID-19, including one particularly important question: Should I cancel my cancer screening to avoid the doctor’s office? The answer may surprise you.
A recent survey released by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, America’s leading cancer prevention-focused nonprofit organization, reports that 35% of American adults had a cancer screening scheduled during the pandemic and missed it. What’s more, 43% of American adults have missed routine medical appointments because of COVID-19.
Pandemic or not, screenings are the most effective way to identify cancers in their earliest stages — often before you experience symptoms. Delaying cancer screenings may lead to detecting cancer at a later stage, requiring a more aggressive and lengthy treatment.
Be aware of new or unusual symptoms. Symptoms of concern may include, but are not limited to, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel and bladder habits, sores that don’t heal, unusual bleeding, and/or a lump. Make an appointment with your doctor immediately if you have noticed these or other symptoms that are unusual to you. And remember that self-exams for breast, skin, and testicular cancers can be done at home. If you find something concerning, immediately alert your doctor, who will direct you to next steps.
Know if you are at heightened risk for cancer. You can’t inherit cancer, but you can inherit a higher risk for developing it. Factors that determine if a person has a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer include pre-existing conditions, personal health history, and family medical history. For example, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk factors include male breast cancer at any age, breast cancer at age 45 or younger, or a relative with a BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 mutation.
Talk to your doctor about the best time for you to be screened. It’s a simple yet important step to take. According to the American Cancer Society, how long it’s been since you were last screened, how prevalent COVID-19 is in your community, your risk of getting a certain type of cancer, your age, and overall health are all factors your doctor may consider when evaluating the risks and benefits for you to be screened sooner rather than later. Your doctor can assess your medical history and individual circumstances to make an informed decision about the best time for you to be screened. The ease with which patients can schedule virtual appointments through telemedicine means there is no reason not to reach out.
Remember, the purpose of preventative cancer screenings is to diagnose and treat cancer early. Skipping preventive screenings can adversely affect your long-term health. Don’t let fear of COVID-19 stand in the way of these essential preventative health screenings. Medical facilities and hospitals across North Texas are taking extensive precautions to keep patients safe. Should a cancer screening lead to a diagnosis, rest assured it can be treated safely using a combination of in-person appointments and telemedicine — because cancer care can’t wait.
Jennifer Hecht, D.O., FACOS, is a breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists-Southwest Fort Worth, and Noelle Gillette Cloven, M.D., is a gynecologic oncology surgeon at Texas Oncology-Fort Worth Cancer Center.
