When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, cancer screening was largely put on hold to prioritize urgent needs and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in health care settings. Now that many of those restrictions are easing up, most health care facilities are offering elective procedures again, including cancer screening.

The Commission on Cancer has joined the American Cancer Society in a nationwide effort to encourage patients to resume appropriate cancer screening to prevent a more extensive illness or excess deaths. Because of COVID-19, an estimated 35% of Americans missed routine screenings, which will result in a short-term decrease in cancer diagnoses. It will also likely result in a later corresponding increase in late-stage diagnoses and preventable deaths.

If an appointment for screening was postponed or canceled, you should talk to your provider about when to reschedule. Your provider can discuss balancing the risks and benefits of being screened now or postponing for a later date, considering your personal and family history, other risk factors and the timing of your last screening test.

Screening tests look for cancer in people who do not have symptoms. These tests are different from tests your doctor might order if you have symptoms that could be from cancer. If you have signs or symptoms that might be from cancer like a lump in the breast or blood in the stool, you should discuss this with your provider right away. You will likely need exams or tests that evaluate those particular signs and symptoms.

Please contact your health care provider today to determine the best screening schedule and screening tests for you.