BACK ON THE BOOKS

Time to get screenings Back on the Books

When the coronavirus pandemic reached the U.S., many lives were put on pause. Along with postponed vacations, rescheduled weddings or cancelled graduations, something even more important was being missed by thousands— routine cancer screenings and critical vaccinations.

In the early days of the pandemic, the Prevent Cancer Foundation realized we would be facing a downstream effect of missed or late-stage cancer diagnoses. Once restrictions lifted, we launched “Back on the Books” to encourage people to get their routine cancer screening appointments rescheduled as quickly as possible. What you can do: If you are due (or overdue) for a mammogram, Pap test, lung cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, PSA test, skin check or dental appointment, get your appointment Back on the Books. Routine cancer screening detects cancer early and increases the likelihood your treatment will be successful. Health care providers are working hard to ensure everyone remains safe during their appointments. Call your doctor’s office and ask what steps they are taking to limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

And don’t forget the kids! It is especially important to make sure your kids’ medical appointments are continuing and they are staying on track for vaccinations to keep them safe from preventable (and dangerous) diseases and illnesses. For boys and girls ages 11-12, this includes the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine protects against a virus that can cause at least six types of cancer.

Need more information? If you don’t know what screenings you’re due for, are wondering what safety precautions to ask about or are concerned about insurance coverage for screening services, visit preventcancer.org/ backonthebooks.

Media Highlights

People ‘afraid to go to doctors’: A third of Americans miss cancer screenings, survey suggests

July 28, 2020 USA Today

Don’t Let Covid-19 Delay Your Own Cancer Screening

October 25, 2020 Wall Street Journal

Featured on: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC

Our Findings

In May 2020, we conducted a survey to find out how many appointments were being missed and why. This data has informed the Back on the Books campaign, enabling us to speak to the heart of why people are postponing or missing their appointments—and how we can help them. 35% of American adults had a cancer screening scheduled during the pandemic and missed it. 44% of those who missed appointments plan to contact the doctor’s office to reschedule.

24% expect their doctor’s office to contact them.

22% of people who have routine medical appointments or screenings scheduled in the next 3 months plan to postpone or cancel. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is conducting these surveys on a quarterly basis to respond to attitudes and behaviors regarding cancer screenings and COVID-19.