Screenings Save Lives

During the COVID pandemic, it is estimated that 41% of United States adults have delayed or avoided medical care. This delay could mean that cancers are not detected early or regular vaccines are missed, which could result in advancing disease and early deaths.

Regular screenings and preventive care can improve and save your life. These screenings can catch cancer early. When you catch cancer early, it is easier to treat.

Getting Back on Track

Are you up to date on your care? Talk to your primary care provider about what tests you and your family need based on your family history, symptoms, age, and other factors. Routine preventive care and screenings include:

• Wellness visits
• Vaccines
• Cancer screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings
• HIV screening
• Hepatitis B screening
• Depression screening

Consequences of Delays in Childhood Vaccinations

Child vaccinations have dropped by as much as 26% for measles (MMR), whooping cough (DTaP), and polio vaccines during the COVID pandemic.

This trend means children and communities are at risk of developing these diseases. Many of these diseases are a greater risk to your child’s health than COVID-19. It is estimated that 40% of US children missed vaccinations over the past year, with studies estimating 9 million vaccines missed in 2020. If your child missed a vaccine last year, talk to your pediatrician about creating a plan to get back on track!

Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Consequences of Delays in Cancer Screenings

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will get cancer in their lifetime. However, finding it earlier means it may be easier to treat. Studies show that over 22 million screenings and 80,000 cancer diagnoses may have been delayed in 2020. Projections show that those delayed diagnoses could result in thousands of excess deaths, especially from breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Source: IQVIA

Coming Back into the Office

We faced challenges during the pandemic and now getting back on track with your wellness is critical. Preventive care and cancer screenings save lives – they could save your life and promote lifelong wellness for your children! Talk to your doctor about safely resuming care and next steps.

MUSC Health Primary Care is open and accepting new patients of all ages. We understand why patients have delayed care during COVID-19 and are here to partner with you to get back on track with your wellness. Our providers will create a plan for screenings and wellness based on your healthcare needs. Call 843-792-7000 or find the next available appointment online.