Prostate Cancer Screenings on the Decline with Concerns Surrounding COVID-19: What Men Should Know
Feb. 22, 2021
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(BPT) - In the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas of the country banned nonessential medical procedures in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. As a result, many physicians saw fewer patients for routine medical care, such as physical exams and screenings. A recent survey by The Physicians Foundation polled 3,513 physicians and found 41% saw volume decreases of 26% or more in their practices.
The impact on cancer screenings was even more profound. For example, screenings for prostate cancer one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men in the United States dropped by 56% by the peak of the pandemic in April according to a recent study published in
Most women between the ages of 25-65 should have regular cervical cancer screenings.
In many cases, there are no early warning signs of cervical cancer, which is why screenings are so vital.
Even women who are finished having children or who practice “safe” sex should follow screening guidelines set by the American Cancer Society.
It’s a story that should have had a different ending. In 2014, Rachael Foley, 43, had a Pap Smear, just like she was supposed to. She was told the results were normal, and went on with her life per usual… only the results really weren’t normal. Three years later, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and had to have a hysterectomy.