One of the implications of the COVID-19 crisis has been that routine annual screenings have been ‘put on the back burner'.
The British Medical Journal has published an alarming figure. They estimate that there could be at least a 20% rise in cancer mortalities due to delayed screenings, delayed diagnosis, and delayed treatments.
Scientists suggest there could be at least 7,000 additional deaths - but in a worst-case scenario, that number could be as high as 35,000.
Understandably people have not wanted to attend medical centers unless absolutely necessary! However, now we are starting to get back to some degree of normality it’s time to start thinking about any annual screening tests that are overdue.
For women…..are you due a smear test?
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 44. However, it can occur under the age of 20 and 15% of diagnoses are in women older than 65.
A smear test can detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous. It can also diagnose cervical cancer in the very early stages before you have any symptoms. Early detection may mean less treatment, less recovery time, and an overall better chance of survival.
Statistics show that smear tests may reduce deaths from cervical cancer by up to 80%.
For men…..when were you last screened for prostate cancer?
Men are notoriously bad at preventative health screening. Many are ‘dragged to the doctors’ for an annual check-up by their other half!
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Unfortunately, around 40% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage.
The good news is that deaths from prostate cancer are steadily falling due to the increase of uptake of prostate cancer screening.
The PSA test is a simple blood test
So come on men, what are you waiting for?!
Speak to the Family Medical Centre in Albir is offering a 20% discount on both cervical smear tests and PSA blood tests.
