PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — According to the National Cancer Institute, the disruption of screenings during the coronavirus pandemic could have a long-term impact.
The director of the National Cancer Institute did not mince words, and the prediction was concerning: The number of people who could die from breast cancer or colorectal cancer could increase between 8,000 and 10,000 as a result of missed opportunities to detect cancer early on when it could still be aggressively treated.
But there are also less severe health issues that are quite important. For, instance dentists anticipate a rise in cavities due to long-term damage from not being seen in their offices. Another area that has been overlooked is a skin check, either by a family physician or dermatologist.
The message: Get back to see your doctor and don't let things go longer.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
