At the onset of the pandemic, restrictions on moving around were implemented, with social distancing and other measures being taken to avoid virus spread. As people have adjusted to a “new” normal, fewer and fewer individuals have been returning to their physicians for their annual cancer screenings. Cancer screening is basically getting checked for cancer by your physician before you begin displaying any symptoms.
Regular screening may find colorectal, cervical and breast cancers in their early stages when treatment will be more effective, in comparison to late-stage diagnoses. Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the gross number of cancer screenings received by its early-detection program has declined by 83% for cervical cancer and more than 85% for breast cancer, since April of last year. The National Cancer Institute also revealed that over 800 screening appointments for lung cancer at its Cancer Center in the University of Cincinnati were cancelled in just a month.
This is worrying, as experts particularly recommend lung cancer screening for individuals who are at high risk.
Experts also point out that the best way to find and diagnose breast cancer in its early stages when it’s easier to treat is through a mammogram. Mammograms are low-energy X-rays that are used to examine the breast.
For cervical cancer, physicians recommend a PAP test, which is conducted on a sample of cells obtained from the cervix. The test checks for any abnormal cells that may indicate cervical cancer, which is caused by the human papillomavirus (“HPV”). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and has no cure. The disease has more thann 100 types that are divided into high-risk and low-risk subtypes. At least 14 of these types are high risk, with experts noting that HPV type 16 and 18 cause about 70% of precancerous cervical lesions and cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer across the globe. However, its chance of being cured is high if detected early, which is why women are advised to begin getting PAP smears at age 21. If no abnormal cells are detected, your doctor may advise you to get the PAP smear test done every three years.
Physicians advise against delays in getting screened for cancer, especially for survivors. This is because some cancers recur and may become even more aggressive.
Early cancer detection has a huge impact on survival rate and undoubtedly saves lives. So if you’ve been postponing your routine screening, make an appointment with your physician today.
The importance of screening for and detecting cancer as early as possible has prompted many firms such as AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: ANPC) to develop novel ways to detect cancer even before a single tumor has formed so that patients can have a fighting chance of beating the condition.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to AnPac Bio-Medical Science Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: ANPC) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ANPC
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