Cancer Doesn’t Stop For Coronavirus
We know there’s only one topic on most people’s minds right now: Coronavirus. But don’t forget there are other killers out there, and just because we’re worried about one, doesn’t mean the others are taking a break. I bet you’re not suddenly running red lights, just because there’s less traffic, right?
Cancer is one of those killers that is not taking a break. Sure, as medical providers deal with coronavirus, they are, or may become, too stretched to perform routine check-ups and preventive screenings. Many, including mine, are cancelling non-emergency appointments, like eye exams. And you probably don’t want to go to a clinic or hospital these days if you don’t have to, anyway.
So it’s completely understandable that people postpone getting their routine preventive cancer screenings while we all get a handle on this pandemic. That is, EXCEPT IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS! Symptoms are warning signs. Think of symptoms as the red lights that tell you something’s coming, and you’d better stop and do something about it, or else you’re going to get smacked.
So what symptoms should you know about?
Women
- Lump in breast or under arm
- Discharge
- Changes in breasts (size, dimpling, pain, etc.)
- Abnormal bleeding (after intercourse, etc.) or discharge from the vagina
- Pain during intercourse
The above are signs of advanced cervical cancer, which is why regular Pap tests are recommended. A Pap test can find pre-cancerous cells and prevent or stop cervical cancer altogether. That is why the CDC says “No one should ever die from cervical cancer.”
Men & Women
- Blood in/during your bowel movement
- Changes in your bowel movements that last more than a few days
- Feeling like you have to have a bowel movement, even when you don’t really need to
- Stomach pains or cramps that just won’t go away
If you want to keep up with your routine or preventive colorectal cancer screening, talk to your doctor about doing an inexpensive, at-home test, such as a FIT or FOBT kit.
- Coughing that gets worse, doesn’t go away, or brings up blood
- Trouble breathing, wheezing
- Chest pain
- Feeling tired all the time
- Unexplained weight loss
You should know a few things about lung cancer screening before proceeding. To have this screening covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you must meet certain criteria. To learn more about those, go here on our site. You should also know that since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, those resources (specialists, equipment, etc.) in particular may be in short supply, so you may have to wait for services.
Last but not least!
One important point to add if you do have symptoms and need to make an appointment: Let your medical provider know if you have a fever or have had one in the last week or so. That way, they can take precautions to protect you, other patients, and themselves.