It’s amazing to think that we’re now at the second anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also incredible and shocking to think about how much has changed, in nearly every aspect of our daily lives as well as how we look at our health and healthcare.
One of the most impacted areas related to healthcare has been the sharp decline in preventive care and screenings, pretty much across the board. As you know, regular preventive care and screenings are a critical component to keeping our patients healthy. Because of the uncertainty of everything early in the pandemic, many people put their preventive screenings – such as cholesterol checks or cancer screenings – on hold because of restricted/limited access, fear of being out in a public/healthcare setting, or both.
Now two years in, screening levels are much lower than normal, and the impact of this continued delayed care is sure to have negative effects, especially when it comes to cancer screenings. Recommended timetables for cancer screenings are in place to help us with early detection for our patients. Because of the steep drop-off in many screenings the last two years, we could be in for the grim reality of an increase in later diagnoses – and more cases of advanced cancers – in the next few years.
Mammograms for early detection of breast cancer are one good example of this trend. Before the pandemic, roughly two-thirds of breast cancer patients were diagnosed at stage one, however that number has dropped dramatically to only about half since fewer women have gotten mammograms over the last two years. This is an alarming trend that is cause for concern, as we know that later detection usually means finding cancers at later stages, which unfortunately leads to a much higher mortality rate.
We’re seeing the same trend with other cancers as well, including lung, prostate, bladder, and colon cancer. Colonoscopies, the most prevalent way to detect colon cancer, declined by 45 percent early in the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. That number has bounced back some since then, but it’s still well below the norm and has resulted in fewer colon cancer diagnoses than usual. A colonoscopy is one of the most powerful and effective tools to prevent advanced colon cancer.
So where do we go from here? We can’t reverse the trend of the last two years, but we can take proactive steps to ensure that patients are having their preventive screenings. Let’s use the data we have and be proactive about outreach to patients who are at the highest risk. If your female patients skipped their mammogram last year, remind them that they should get it this year. Remind those due for a colonoscopy to have it done. Over the last several years, BCBSRI has made proactive outreach to our providers to close gaps in cancer screenings, as well as provided incentives to our participating providers for achieving high rates of certain screenings, through our Provider Quality Incentive Program.
There’s a little bit of leeway, but screenings are too important to put off for much longer. We all have the power to influence the pandemic effect, and what happens in the next few years regarding detecting cancers. Let’s also recognize patients’ concerns and fears about getting preventive care and try to alleviate them to make them feel more comfortable about getting important screenings and make it more convenient to do so. The American Cancer Society has provided a helpful resource with information about screening safety during COVID-19 as well as cancer screening options for patients. Share this with your patients who have been putting off their screenings.
In addition to celebrating Women’s History Month in March, we recognize several healthcare-related observances: 10 de marzo is Registered Dietitian Nutrition Day; 14 de marzo-21 is Patient Safety Awareness Week; 19 de marzo is Certified Nurses Day; and 30 de marzo is National Doctor’s Day. It’s also National Social Worker’s Month. As always, thank you for your partnership and for all you do to help our members stay safe and healthy.