Now, experts are able to quantify just how steep screenings actually declined.
For some, the fear of contracting COVIDespecially before vaccines became availablekept them at home as much as possible.
While forgoing preventive care was justified or unavoidable in these circumstances, it wasnt without consequence.
More missed screenings mean that many cancers have likely gone undetected.
That was about a 1% increase in deaths from the two types of cancer.
It also put a stop to Epsteins normal healthcare plans.
At the age of 73, she was in overall good health.
Then, in late May 2020, she saw a streak of blood in her underwear.
A biopsy of her endometrial lining done in early June led to a diagnosis ofendometrial cancer.
Epsteins gynecologist referred her to Annekathryn Goodman, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Even though shes now cancer-free, Epstein still regrets having delayed her cancer screening.
My message to everyone would be Dont put it off no matter what, said Epstein.
The study noted screening decreases that extended through mid-2021.
How Much Did Screenings Decline?
When cancer is found and treated early, it can lead to better outcomes.
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Published online March 21, 2022. doi:10.1002/cncr.34157
