Over the last two years, headlines have squarely focused on public health topic number one: COVID-19. Meanwhile heart disease, cancer and diabetes have remained some of the most formidable causes of illness in Americans. Routine screening tests can uncover early risk factors and signs of these diseases allowing interventions and lifestyle changes to play a key role in prevention.

Many people put off their regular annual appointments or have delayed receiving care for new issues during the pandemic. A recent study from the University of Kansas showed that over 9.4 million cancer screenings (for example, a mammogram for breast cancer or a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer) did not occur during the pandemic, which lays the groundwork for another public health crisis.

The National Cancer Institute has predicted that lower screening rates during the pandemic will result in an additional 10,000 deaths from breast and colorectal cancer over the next ten years. Delayed screenings are expected to lead to the diagnosis of cancers at a later stage with more advanced disease. Unfortunately, the more advanced cancer is, the worse the prognosis, including increased risk of death.

Women often act as the caregivers in the family, at times putting others’ needs before their own, including their own health. During the pandemic, women have been more likely to forgo medical care compared to men. Community health partners in our area, such as New Horizons Healthcare, ensure women can access a yearly mammogram, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

There are other types of screening tests that can go a long way toward identifying disease at early stages. For example, it is recommended to have your cholesterol checked every 5 years. Excess LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have elevated cholesterol, you and your healthcare professional can talk about lifestyle changes or, if indicated, discuss starting a regimen of medication to reduce your risk. As another example, screening for pre-diabetes or diabetes is recommended if you are over 35 years old and are overweight or obese.

In addition to following recommendations for the general public, it is important to know your family history. Knowing your family history and sharing it with your doctor will help you learn the best way for you to protect your health. For example, if family members have had breast cancer or colorectal cancer, you need to talk to your healthcare professional to see if you need additional diagnostic testing.

While screening tests are very important for the early detection and treatment of some diseases, there are so many other important decisions we can make to protect and improve our health. The pandemic has hurt us in so many ways over the last two and a half years. Let us all continue to do what we can to minimize its impact on ourselves and our families. Make healthy lifestyle choices to live your fullest life! Be physically active. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat fruits and vegetables. Limit drinking alcohol. Stop smoking. And don’t forget to check in with your healthcare professional if you have missed routine health appointments during the pandemic!