Is it safe for cancer screenings yet?

To the editor:

As a result of Covid-19, many people had to put off their cancer screening. This means thousands of people may not catch cancer early when it is easier to treat or when it could even be prevented.

The Cancer Services Program of Bronx County encourages anyone who has delayed their breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screening to schedule it now.

Many health care providers are scheduling cancer screening. Medical offices are taking steps so that screening can be done more safely. These steps may include:

• Asking patients about Covid-19 symptoms before they have their appointments.

• Providing facemasks and hand sanitizer.

• Adding more time between patient appointments.

• Frequent disinfecting and cleaning.

• Spacing chairs in waiting areas so that people can social distance.

There is also a screening test for colorectal cancer that can be done from home. Call the CSP to find out more about colon cancer screening and the fecal immunochemical test take-home kit.

Many are wondering if it is safe to be screened again, and the answer is not the same for everyone. People should talk to their health care provider about their overall health and their risk for breast, cervical or colorectal cancer. They can decide together if getting a screening is safe at this time.

The CSP is here to give information about cancer screening and help those who do not have insurance. The CSP provides free breast and cervical screenings to women 40 and older, and free colorectal screenings to men and women 45 and older.

We are located at 234 E. 149th St., and can be reached at (646) 234-1542.

Frantzy Carron

The author is program coordinator for Cancer Services Program of Bronx County