OGDENSBURG - Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) joins in the national push urging patients that have delayed preventive cancer screenings because of COVID-19 to take steps to get these lifesaving screenings done. The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially decreased primary care visits and preventive screenings such as mammograms, routine pap smears, and colonoscopies to reduce the risk of personal exposure and decrease the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare and screening facilities. Prolonged delays in screening related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other personal choices may lead to a delayed cancer diagnosis, poor health consequences, and an increase in cancer disparities, especially among women already experiencing health inequities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the total number of cancer screening tests received by women through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program declined by 87% for breast cancer and 84% for cervical cancer during April 2020 as compared with the previous 5-year averages for that month. In fact, according to a March 2021 New York Times article, many studies showed that the number of patients screened or given a diagnosis of cancer fell during the early months of the pandemic. In June 2021 alone, the rate of screenings for breast, colon, and cervical cancers were still 29 percent to 36 percent lower than their pre-pandemic levels.

The New York State Cancer Registry lists breast cancer as one of the most common cancers among women in New York State. Each year in New York, over 16,400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 2,500 women die from the disease. An estimated one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her life. Men also get breast cancer, but it is rare—about 160 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in New York State.

Many different organizations make recommendations about cancer screenings. Insurance companies mainly follow the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Women should weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to get mammograms before age 50.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a different screening schedule than the USPSTF), recommending women age 40 to 44 should have the choice to start yearly breast cancer screening with a mammogram if they wish to do so. Women aged 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year and women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every 2 years or continue yearly screening. The ACS also recommends screening beyond 74 years should continue as long as the woman is in good health and expected to live at least ten more years. Screening MRI is recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer.

Unfortunately, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer from developing or prevent certain risk factors for breast cancer, such as female gender, age, race, dense breast tissue, inherited gene changes, or a family history of the disease. However, breast cancer, along with 12 other cancers, is strongly associated with obesity. The CDC states that about 55% of cancers diagnosed in women and 24% of those diagnosed in men nationwide are overweight and obese-related cancers. Some things like keeping a healthy weight, being active, avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption, choosing a diet rich in whole foods, avoiding processed foods and sugary beverages, and choosing not to smoke, are all controllable lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer.

Regular screening for breast cancer, including annual mammograms and breast exams, are essential in reducing your risk of getting breast cancer. Most medical professionals agree that regular check-ups and screening tests can find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment works best and offers the best survival chances. Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms of breast cancer. Some signs of breast cancer include a new lump or mass, swelling of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction, nipple discharge, nipple skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened or swollen lymph nodes. Any changes noticed should be reported to a health care provider.

Treatment for breast cancer depends on the cancer stage at diagnosis and other factors such as age and health problems, personal choices, and special testing of cancer. From screening to treatment, The Ogdensburg Breast Health Center located at the CHMC’s Connection for Women has just one goal—to help women fight breast cancer. Our Breast Health Center staff comprises a dedicated team of health professionals who are there to help guide, support, and reassure patients as needed, the way we would want our family members treated throughout their diagnosis and treatment. We offer the latest in 3D digital mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and biopsy. We also provide genetic testing for breast cancer using an assessment program to help women understand their risk. Medical Oncologist Dr. Lucille Alston, MD, at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, stated, “Take the time to learn your family history when it comes to cancer.” She continued, “This information helps determine what level of screening is appropriate and at what age cancer screenings should start for individuals with a higher risk because of a family history of cancer.”

Women with breast cancer are treated at the state-of-the-art Richard E. Winter Cancer Center by a highly skilled breast care team of experts. Our team of cancer treatment specialists includes a surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist meet with patients all together to discuss treatment options and answer any questions patients may have, and create and implement an individualized treatment plan. “This is the strongest part of our program,” says Dr. Michael Oakley, MD, FACS, breast surgeon at CHMC. He continues, “This unified small team approach is unique to our community-based hospital and helps expedite care, keep you informed and get you beyond your diagnosis and treatment.”

If you are one of the many that have delayed your preventive cancer screenings, CHMC providers and staff urge you to call CHMC at 315-393-3600 and reschedule. If you’re concerned about COVID-19, we have taken steps to protect you from the virus. Our staff and patients must wear masks and be screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry to the Medical Center. Equipment, changing rooms, and exam rooms are cleaned after every patient, and social distancing is practiced in patient waiting and care areas.

To learn more about CHMC women’s prevention services, the Breast Health Center the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, visit the web at www.claxtonhepburn.org. Follow us on Facebook to learn about upcoming screenings and wellness programs.