Back on the Books Initiative Launched to Aid in Rescheduling Cancer Screening Appointments

The Prevent Cancer Foundation – the only US-based nonprofit organization solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection – has launched a new initiative titled, “Back on the Books.”

The goal of the initiative is to have any mammogram, Pap test, colonoscopy, PSA test, lung cancer screening, skin check, or dental appointment that was made during the first half of 2020 and cancelled due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rescheduled by patients.

However, the leaders of the initiative also stressed that screening guidelines are never one-size-fits-all, especially during a pandemic. Therefore, patients should consult with their physician and make the best decision for themselves.

“When deciding when to get your routine screening back on the books, you should weigh the potential risk of exposure to the coronavirus against the potential risk of a late or missed cancer diagnosis,” the authors of the initiative wrote. “If you are immunocompromised or at high risk of complications from contracting the virus, it may make sense to wait. Call your health care provider for guidance.”

In an interview with CancerNetwork®, Lisa Berry Edwards, managing editor of external affairs for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, discussed the “Back on the Books” initiative and what patients should be aware of in regard to rescheduling their previously missed cancer screening appointments.

Reference:

Prevent Cancer Foundation. Back on the Books. Prevent Cancer Foundation Website. Published 2020. preventcancer.org/education/back-on-the-books/. Accessed July 30, 2020.