Cancers going undiagnosed during COVID: a reminder to prioritize routine checks

Since the start of the pandemic, fewer people have been receiving cancer diagnoses. While this might seem like good news, it's anything but. Many cancers are simply slipping through the cracks, remaining undetected. These illnesses are still present, just undiscovered—until they emerge at later, more advanced stages. By then, they’re often harder to treat, causing noticeable issues and reducing survival rates. In short, don't let fear or uncertainty keep you from your regular health checks. Even during the pandemic, visiting a doctor’s office can be safer than you think. When in doubt, use tools like the event risk assessment planner to determine the best timing. Your health is too important to neglect. Recent data from major labs such as Quest Diagnostics and health record platforms like Epic show that diagnoses of common cancers—breast, colorectal, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and esophageal—have plummeted by almost half in the U.S. during this period. Screenings have fallen even more dramatically. Detecting these cancers later makes treatment significantly harder and survival much less likely. For instance, the five-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer drops from 61% when caught early to just 6% once it spreads. Similarly, breast cancer survival falls from 99% at its earliest stages to 27% when it reaches the distant phase. Colorectal cancer survival decreases from 90% to a mere 14%. This isn’t just about cancer. Cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, dementia, and even conditions like restless leg syndrome are being overlooked right now. We may not notice the full impact immediately, but over time, these delays could lead to a surge in fatalities without clear attribution. The takeaway? Don’t delay your routine medical care unless absolutely necessary. Physical exams, cancer screenings, and monitoring new symptoms are crucial. It’s tempting to put these off, but maintaining your health is essential. If it’s safe where you live, reach out to your doctor. Your future self—and loved ones—will thank you.

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