5 minute read
Time to get screenings Back on the Books
When the coronavirus pandemic reached the U.S., many lives were put on pause. But while you may be focusing on postponed vacations, rescheduled weddings or cancelled graduations, something even more important is being missed by thousands—routine cancer screenings. If you were scheduled in the first half of 2020 for a mammogram, Pap test, lung cancer screening, colonoscopy, PSA test, skin check or dentist appointment, your doctor or dentist likely cancelled your appointment. However, as restrictions lift, it’s critical you get those appointments Back on the Books. Early detection saves lives. Routine cancer screening detects cancer early (even if you have no signs or symptoms!) and increases the likelihood your treatment will be successful. If your doctor’s office is open, don’t wait for them to call you to reschedule. Give them a call today to get your appointment back on the books—and then get in the door for your routine cancer screening. Your health care providers are taking precautions to keep you and themselves as safe as possible. Talk to your provider’s office and ask what steps they are taking to limit exposure risk. Some precautions may include:
Implementing a call-in or virtual check-in process so you can check in from your car
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Visual markers and limited seating in the waiting area so you can maintain physical distance from staff and other patients
Requirements that all staff and visitors wear masks
Hand sanitizer available throughout the office
Frequent and thorough cleaning of all spaces and high-touch areas
COVID-19 IMPACT ON CANCER SCREENINGS
SCREENINGS FOR BREAST
CANCER DROPPED 94%
FROM JANUARY 20 TO APRIL 21 OF THIS YEAR. 1
SCREENINGS FOR COLON
CANCER DROPPED 86%
FROM JANUARY 20 TO APRIL 21 OF THIS YEAR. 1
SCREENINGS FOR CERVICAL
CANCER DROPPED 94%
FROM JANUARY 20 TO APRIL 21 OF THIS YEAR. 1
35% of all American adults had a cancer screening scheduled during the pandemic and missed it. 2
22% said their doctor’s or dentist’s office was open, but they wanted to minimize their risk of exposure to COVID-19. 2
22% of people who had routine medical appointments or screenings scheduled for the summer months planned to postpone or cancel the appointments. 2
Protective equipment on all health care providers and office staff who have contact with patients
Temperature checks and COVID-19 questionnaires for incoming patients
Separate entrances and exits to reduce contact with other patients entering or leaving the office
Requirement that patients test negative for the coronavirus 72 hours before a procedure, such as colonoscopy It’s ok to ask—your health care providers want you to feel safe and comfortable during your visit.
WAIT…WHAT CANCER SCREENINGS? Not sure when to start certain routine cancer screenings? Check out the chart below for the cancer screenings you need at every age. Individuals from each age group should also
be following the recommendations of the previous age group, meaning that the screenings you start in your 20s should continue as you age.
In addition to the screenings listed below, visit your dentist every six months so that signs of oral cancer can be detected during your regular visit.
AGE
20s
30s
40s
50s, 60s and 70s
AGE
20s and 30s
40s
50s, 60s and 70s
WOMEN
• Begin regular cervical cancer screening at age 21. Have a Pap test every 3 years. • If you haven’t been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated now. • All adults ages 18-79 should be screened for hepatitis C, a leading cause of liver cancer. • Have your health care provider examine your skin every year or visit a dermatologist. • Screen for cervical cancer with a Pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years, or a Pap test every 3 years. • Continue screenings started in your 20s. • Get screened annually for breast cancer. • Begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Talk to your doctor about screening test options. • Continue screenings started in your 20s and 30s. • If you’re a heavy smoker or former smoker, ask your doctor about getting screened for lung cancer. • Continue screenings started in your 20s, 30s and 40s.
MEN
• Perform monthly testicular self-exams to know what is normal for you. • If you haven’t been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated now. • All adults ages 18-79 should be screened for hepatitis C, a leading cause of liver cancer. • Have your health care provider examine your skin every year or visit a dermatologist. • Begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Talk to your doctor about screening test options. • Continue screenings started in your 20s and 30s. • Talk to your doctor about screening for prostate cancer. • If you’re a heavy smoker or former smoker, ask your doctor about getting screened for lung cancer. • Continue screenings started in your 20s, 30s and 40s.
COUNT IN THE KIDS It’s 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. If your kids are in the recommended age range (or are older but haven’t been vaccinated against HPV), it’s important to get them vaccinated to protect against HPV and—ultimately—prevent cancer.
In the wake of the pandemic, 17% of parents missed a scheduled vaccination for one or more of their children. Vaccinations can’t wait—get them back on the books today.
GET COVERED Medical care in the U.S. can be expensive, especially without insurance coverage. If you’ve recently lost your health insurance, there are options available to make sure you and your family are covered.
Join your spouse’s insurance plan. If you lost coverage because you’ve recently lost your job, this is considered a qualifying life event and you can enroll in your spouse’s plan even if it’s not their open enrollment period. Purchase a plan from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. If you’ve recently lost your employersponsored insurance plan, you’ll qualify for a special enrollment period to buy a plan on the marketplace. You may even qualify for a subsidy to help cover the cost of a plan. Utilize COBRA. If you lose your job or your hours are reduced, you typically have the right to continue group health benefits for a limited period. Just be aware that you may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102% of the cost to the plan.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, you can find more information on free and low-cost cancer screenings at preventcancer.org/backonthebooks.