While protecting ourselves from Coronavirus (COVID-19) is at the forefront of everyone’s mind (and rightfully so), it’s important to remember that other health risks are still out there. Just because we are worried about one in particular, doesn’t mean the others are taking a break. I hope that doesn’t cause alarm or more angst, because that is NOT the intention. Rather, it’s a reminder that our health is made of many different parts, and it’s up to us – especially during a time when many resources are being allocated to the pandemic – to be advocates for our whole health.
Specifically, we want to talk about cancer, because with social distancing guidelines, a need to keep vulnerable patients safe, and a limited supply of healthcare resources and personnel to go around, many routine cancer screenings have been delayed. (Note: Often per facility – may depend on the presence of COVID-19 in the community and the guidelines set by local health professionals) In fact, the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science estimates that COVID-19 has resulted in a 60-80% drop in cancer screenings (Ex. mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, CT scans for lung cancer) in the U.S. out of necessity to handle the current pandemic. While necessary, the unfortunate consequence is that screenings are an important part of detecting cancer, and without them, there are likely to be missed diagnoses (as much as 67,000 according to the IQVIA) or later diagnoses of cancer – all resulting in poorer health outcomes.
According to the Society of Breast Imaging, “once the pandemic has abated and the risk to our patients, our healthcare colleagues and the community has lessened, we urge all facilities to redouble efforts to complete all delayed screening as expeditiously as possible.” But until then, it’s up to us as individuals to know our bodies and to know when something isn’t right. We might not all be able to have a screening performed in-person by our provider right now, but we can always monitor warning signs at home, and notify our provider if anything seems off.
Warning Signs of Cancer (for women):
Breast (for an infographic, click HERE)
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A lump or thickening inside the breast or underarm
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Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
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Change in size or shape of the breast
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Dimpling or puckering of the skin
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Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
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Pulling in of nipple or other parts of the breast
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Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
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New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
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Cervical
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Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, or having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching may also occur.
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An unusual discharge from the vagina − the discharge may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause.
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Pain during sex
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Pain in the pelvic region
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Note: Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. Symptoms like these often do not begin until the cancer becomes larger and grows into nearby tissue.
Colorectal
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Blood in/during your bowel movement
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Stomach pains or cramps that just won’t go away
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Losing weight and you don’t know why
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If you want to keep up with your routine or preventive colorectal cancer screen, talk to your provider about your options for doing an at-home test.
Lung
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Coughing that gets worse, doesn’t go away, or brings up blood
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Trouble breathing, wheezing
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Chest pain
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Feeling tired all the time
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Unexplained weight loss
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Talk with your provider if you notice any of these symptoms. He or she can give you guidance on next steps to help you manage your health. You also can always take steps every day to lower your chance of getting certain kinds of cancer by