COLUMBUS, Georgia (WRBL) – COVID-19 was at the forefront of people’s medical concerns this year, but the American Cancer Society says it’s more important than ever to be screened for cancer.
Like visiting the dentist or changing the oil in your car, the American Cancer Society says cancer screening should be a regular part of your life. At the beginning of the pandemic, elective medical procedures, including cancer screenings, were largely suspended to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading to the healthcare sector.
Relay for Life event at Crawford Park
The best protection against cancer is to detect it early on when it is easiest to treat. Screening tests can be a tool to find cancer before a person has any symptoms. As COVID-19 became a medical priority, it resulted in a sharp drop in screenings.
Cancer is a life-changing diagnosis, and the American Cancer Society is also working to provide services to patients dealing with the disease.
When patients need to travel away from home to receive the best possible care, ACS offers accommodation for cancer patients and their families through the Hope Lodge and Extended Stay America Lodging Program. When patients do not have transportation, Road to Recovery volunteers can offer ridesharing for patients who are unable to get to their treatments.
Because cancer can change a patient’s appearance, the Tender Loving Care program offers affordable wigs, hats, and accessories to help patients feel more like themselves.
In addition, the American Cancer Society offers the Cancer Survivors Network, which allows cancer patients and carers to connect with others who share similar experiences.
However, these services are made possible year round through the American Cancer Society’s various fundraising opportunities. Their annual fundraiser was canceled due to the pandemic and they suffered a financial blow from which they are still trying to recover.
Margen Gadd, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, says the nonprofit is currently in dire need Volunteers and donations to help fund these resources.
Despite roadblocks, the organization says it will continue to make the public aware that its services are available through money, time and awareness.
For more information on when and how you can be screened, contact your doctor or the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour helpline.
