Millions of people delayed medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local oncologists are participating in a new initiative encouraging New Yorkers to schedule potentially lifesaving cancer screenings.
Led by two national nonprofit organizations with local ties – the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and CancerCare – the “Time to Screen” campaign provides assistance and educational resources to help adults screen for six common cancers: breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate, lung, and skin. The initiative lets consumers access information on the importance of screening and find local cancer screening locations through a website and toll-free hotline.
“Early cancer detection saves lives. As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s time for New Yorkers to schedule their regular cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, member of COA’s Board of Directors and practice member at New York Cancer and Blood Specialists in East Setauket. “Adults, especially those over the age of 40, should visit TimeToScreen.org for help finding free or low-cost cancer screening options. Do it for yourself and the people you love.”
As part of the campaign, Grammy award winner and “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle will appear in television, digital and radio public service announcements (PSAs) now through October 2021.
“I’ve learned timing is everything in life and right now, it’s time to take control of your health,” said LaBelle. “I know what it’s like to lose loved ones far too early to cancer. Don’t wait until it’s too late. I tell everyone, ‘Honey, it’s time to get screened.’”
Research has shown a considerable drop in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment for older adults in 2020, including an 85 percent decline in breast cancer screenings and a 75 percent decline for colon cancer screenings. Time to Screen is engaging oncology practices, medical professionals, and employers in New York to reverse this trend, equipping adults with resources that could help them catch cancer early.
Each year, nearly 35,000 people succumb to cancer in New York. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the state and the nation at-large. Black adults have higher death rates than all other racial/ethnic groups for many cancer types. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanic and Latino adults. Social determinants of health including incomes, health literacy, and physical access to care contribute to these disparities.
“Time to Screen” is a partnership between COA, a national non-profit advocacy group dedicated solely to independent oncology practices and the patients they serve, and CancerCare, a national non-profit that provides free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Screening recommendations are based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.
People can visit www.TimeToScreen.org or call toll-free 1-855-53-SCREEN (1-855-537-2733) to learn more about cancer screenings and find a convenient location.
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