Routine screenings play an important role in the early diagnosis of various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and cervical cancer.  Early detection is critical for obtaining the necessary treatment to ensure survivability.  The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) fourth annual National Cancer Opinion Survey revealed that approximately two-thirds of Americans reported that their scheduled cancer screenings were delayed or skipped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare facilities, including Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) were required to postpone elective medical procedures, including cancer screenings, to preserve medical resources and personal protective equipment (PPE) for patients infected with COVID-19 and to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.  Once elective medical procedures resumed, LMHS saw a decline in scheduled cancer screening procedures.  “The pandemic certainly has caused a disruption in cancer care and diagnoses, including deferred surgeries, modified therapies and delayed screenings,” said Aruna Gowda, M.D., of Licking Memorial Hematology and Oncology.  “The effects of COVID-19 could have a heavy impact on future cancer diagnoses, treatments and other critical cancer care services.” 

Temporary delays for cancer screening, up to a few months, are not problematic; however, the concern comes when screenings are skipped entirely.  The purpose of a cancer screening is to check for cancer before there are symptoms when cancer can be detected early and treatment will work best.  A colonoscopy can detect the presence of precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer.  Patients who wait to screen until symptoms are present are likely to be diagnosed with a more advanced stage of cancer, which can lead to more intense and costly treatments.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend women at average risk for breast cancer start mammograms at age 40-49, after counseling, but no later than age 50.  Mammograms should be repeated every one to two years and continued until age 75, but possibly longer.  For cervical cancer screening, women age 21–29 should have a Pap test every three years, and women age 30 to 65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years.

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 50.  There are some recommendations and evidence that support screenings begin at age 45.  A stool-based test, such as the highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or a visual exam of the colon, known as a colonoscopy, are the recommended screening methods.  A FIT test detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer.  It is prescribed by a physician and can be collected at home and should be completed annually.  Colonoscopies must be performed at a hospital or surgical practice once every 10 years.

The pandemic has caused people to limit their contact with others out of fear of contracting the virus, and as a result, some patients have delayed or cancelled their preventative screenings.  “LMHS has strict safety procedures in place, and the risk of acquiring COVID-19 within Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) is very low,” Dr. Gowda explains.  “Contraction of the virus is more likely to happen outside of the Hospital environment in large gatherings where social distancing is not being practiced.  It is important for us to educate the community, so they can better understand how the virus is spread and know that LMH is a safe place to go for medical care.”

All LMHS facilities continue to take the necessary measures to protect patients, visitors and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, including temperature checks and health screenings.  Face masks are required at all LMHS facilities, and staff wear the appropriate PPE to perform their duties.  Patients who are scheduled for surgical procedures receive COVID-19 testing.  Individuals who have questions about LMHS’ COVID-19 safety procedures may contact the Infection Prevention Office at (220) 564-4158 or (220) 564-4153.  The office is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.