(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Millions of people put off important cancer screenings during the pandemic, and the Susan G. Komen organization wants to remind everyone to get screened.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with National Mammography Day on Friday, the Komen organization hopes to help close the screening gap created by the pandemic.
“People delayed these important screenings, but early detection is key to survival so it’s important that people make their appointments, follow up and encourage those whom they love to do the same,” Cati Stone, Komen’s vice president of community health, said.
The National Cancer Institute estimates 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not because of the pandemic.
“What we’re concerned about is that people will then have a later-stage diagnosis when breast cancer is harder to treat and outcomes aren’t as good,” Stone said.
To help those in need, Komen is offering vouchers for free screenings to those who qualify.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also offers free mammograms to those who qualify.
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