President Joe Biden Begs Public To Continue Cancer Screenings During COVID-19 & Keep Up With Regular Doctors’ Visits

“I know how hard it is right now to be mindful of preventive care,” President Joe Biden wrote in a statement. “The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted so many parts of our lives, including, for far too many, the routine checkups and screenings that are so vital to guarding against disease.  I urge every American to take the precautions they need in order to stay vigilant against cancer don't delay your recommended screenings, doctor's visits, and treatments.”

Since the pandemic began early last year, these routine checkups have dropped drastically, but they are critical in catching a cancer diagnosis early.

Far fewer people went in for cancer screenings during the first wave of the pandemic than during any other three-month period tracked by researchers at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. In assessing a registry of patient data at Massachusetts General Brigham, a system of hospitals, community health centers, and doctors' offices in Massachusetts, researchers found that 15,453 people had cancer screenings during the first wave of the pandemic than during any other three-month period they tracked. Compare that to 60,344 during the same three-month period in 2019. In the three months prior to the pandemic, 64,269 people had cancer screenings. The fall-off in cancer screenings resulted in an estimated 1,438 fewer cancer diagnoses, according to researchers.

Both Vice-President Kamala Harris and President Biden know how crucial these screenings can be, as they have both lost loved ones to the disease. In the statement, President Biden addresses the increasing number of colorectal cancer diagnoses in young people nodding to actor Chadwick Boseman‘s passing from colon cancer last year. In order to catch a possible diagnosis early, President Biden is begging the public to schedule their screenings and attend evaluations that are already scheduled.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Dr. Heather Yeo breaks down common misconceptions about colon cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer, also referred to as bowel cancer in some countries, starts in the large bowels such as the colon. Depending on where it begins, patients may be diagnosed with either colon cancer or rectal cancer. Cancer of the small bowel is very rare. The disease begins when polyps grow from the inner lining of the bowel. Usually these polyps are harmless, but if left untreated, they can become cancerous.

Related: Why It's Crucial to Know Your Family Health History Today's Craig Melvin Shares a Personal Colon Cancer Awareness Message

When it comes to assessing your risk of colorectal cancer, it’s important to factor in both family history and lifestyle. Thankfully, it’s easy to make lifestyle changes that can cut your risk of the disease. This includes quitting any tobacco use, exercising to make sure you're not overweight, and eating a diet with a lot of fiber which includes green vegetables, whole wheat foods, and fruits. As for family history, it can be extremely beneficial to have an honest conversation with family members to find out whether anyone has a history of the disease.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings: A Breakdown

President Biden is correct when he acknowledged the rising number of colon cancer diagnoses among younger people. This has caused experts to reevaluate screening guidelines and lowering the required age to start scheduling them. In the past, the disease had predominantly been found in adults 50-years or older, but for those predisposed to get it at a younger age, these new guidelines could potentially help catch it at an earlier stage.

Related: Why Are More Younger People Getting Colon Cancer? The Theories on Inflammation & Gut Bacteria

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently drafted new recommended guidelines which state colon cancer screenings should begin at 45-years-old. However, many insurance companies still do not cover the cost of screenings for those below the age of 50.

Dr. Heather Yeo explains why colon cancer screenings are so important

For those who aren’t sure how colon cancer first appears, it all begins as a polyp, or small growth, in the colon that causes no symptoms. Although polyps can't be felt, they can be picked up by screening tests before they cause a problem. It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become a full-blown cancer, which gives doctors time to remove the polyp before it causes a problem.

Related: Producer Derek Dienner Battled Colon Cancer at Just 31; His Message About the Disease Is One Worth Sharing

The best way to screen for colon cancer is through a colonoscopy, which doctors recommend you have every 10 years. This is a procedure that is used to screen for colon cancer by looking at the inside of the colon. This requires that the colon be "cleaned out" so that the gastroenterologist performing the procedure can have a clear look to evaluate if any polyps or masses are present. This can be life-saving for many, as it can catch signs of the disease at an earlier stage and therefore give the patient more treatment options.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.