Podcast Summary
Significant decrease in cancer screenings during pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 90% decrease in cancer screenings in April 2020, potentially leading to later stage diagnoses and more challenging treatments for patients. Prioritize health and resume regular screenings as recommended by the CDC, while staying informed about the latest guidelines and resources.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in cancer screenings, with nearly 90% decline reported in April 2020 according to the CDC. This drop in screenings could result in later stage diagnoses and more difficult treatments for many patients. The fear of contracting COVID-19 overshadowed the importance of cancer screenings for some individuals. However, as more people get vaccinated, there are signs that this trend is starting to change. It's crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and resume regular cancer screenings as recommended by the CDC. In the meantime, it's essential to stay informed about the latest guidelines and resources for cancer screening during the pandemic.
Delayed Health Screenings During Pandemic Lead to Thousands of Additional Deaths: The pandemic has caused a backlog in preventative health screenings, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. This delay in care could result in 10,000 additional deaths from breast and colorectal cancer alone over the next decade.
The pandemic has led to a significant backlog in preventative health screenings, leaving many people at risk for undetected or late-diagnosed health issues. This issue disproportionately affects rural areas, communities of color, and other marginalized groups who already face challenges in accessing healthcare. The consequences of missed appointments can be severe, with modeling data from the National Cancer Institute estimating that last year's drop in breast and colorectal cancer screenings alone will result in 10,000 additional deaths over the next decade. Moreover, once a person misses an appointment, it can be challenging to get back on track, potentially leading to years of delayed care and increased health risks. This is a concern for doctors like David Cohn, who warn that we may soon see a dramatic rise in either the number of cancers diagnosed or those diagnosed at later stages. Pam Nelson, a woman from rural Pennsylvania, shared her experience of delayed care due to the pandemic. She had a mammogram appointment postponed, which led to the discovery of a breast mass the size of a penny. Her subsequent biopsy was also delayed due to the pandemic, resulting in a month-long wait. This experience underscores the importance of prioritizing preventative care and addressing the systemic barriers that make it difficult for certain communities to access healthcare.
COVID-19 worsens cancer disparities: The pandemic delays cancer screenings and diagnoses, disproportionately impacting people of color. Innovative solutions like free transportation, weekend mammography, and mobile units help bridge gaps and ensure equitable access to healthcare.
The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating health disparities, specifically in cancer screenings and diagnoses. This was highlighted in a story about Nelson, who couldn't get her lumpectomy scheduled until late January due to the pandemic. This delay could have led to a smaller tumor if detected earlier. This issue disproportionately affects people of color, with Latino patients being 30% more likely and black patients 19% more likely to have missed or postponed screenings than white patients. Structural issues like lack of insurance, shortage of doctors, and transportation are barriers, but cultural divides and feelings of being ignored or dismissed by the medical community also play a role. To bridge these gaps, cancer centers are trying innovative solutions like offering free transportation, paying for parking, opening mammography on weekends, and sending mobile medical units into underserved neighborhoods. It's crucial to address these issues to ensure equitable access to healthcare and improve health outcomes for all communities.
Navigating healthcare during a pandemic: Trust yourself, prioritize necessary screenings, get genetic testing, and advocate for your healthcare needs, especially during a pandemic.
During the pandemic, getting proper healthcare, especially for cancer, can be a challenge. Dr. Jodi Ann Burey, a doctor herself, shared her experience of being dismissed by doctors for two years before her breast cancer diagnosis. She's now using her podcast, Black Cancer, to advise others to persist and take control of their healthcare. Trusting oneself, getting necessary screenings, and genetic testing are crucial, especially for people of color. Unfortunately, she's seen many others being turned away due to age or assumptions about their health. Burey emphasizes the importance of education and self-advocacy to ensure one's voice is heard and needs are met. The pandemic has highlighted the need for increased awareness and accessibility to healthcare information and resources.
