According to a recent survey by Prevent Cancer Foundation, 35 percent of Americans have missed routine cancer screenings due to COVID-19 fears.
Another 43 percent of Americans have missed medical appointments because of the pandemic. Health experts sound the alarm that this trend could have fatal consequences.
Pandemic or not, many people have a reactive approach to maintaining good health as some only seek medical care when something goes wrong. This practice can allow conditions to progress to a state that is either no longer treatable or extremely expensive to treat.
Experts say it’s better to be proactive about your health. Part of that includes taking advantage of the health screenings that are available with your primary care physician.
Annual Physicals Are Important
Doctors recommend that people of all ages have a physical exam done by their primary care physician every year. This appointment is a wonderful opportunity for physician and patient to discuss overall health and wellness status and goals. It’s also the perfect time to share any symptoms that your doctor may need to investigate further. Many times, physicians can detect and treat conditions before significant symptoms appear.
A physical is a vital tool that allows physicians to determine which areas of your health need extra attention to prevent disease states later. It’s essential to know your numbers from blood pressure to blood glucose levels and body mass index to keep them within a healthy range.
Allowing health issues to escalate or go unchecked for years can lead to serious health problems. Having an annual physical is a powerful step toward preventing severe conditions and taking control of your health.
Cancer Screenings
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the most important modifiable determinants of cancer risk are weight control, dietary choices, and physical activity levels for people who do not use tobacco. In addition to making healthy nutritional choices and exercising, the ACS also recommends screenings to prevent various types of cancer.
- Cervical Cancer – The ACS recommends various surveillance strategies, such as pap smears, and options based on a woman’s age, screening history, and other risk factors.
- Prostate Cancer -The American Cancer Society recommends that asymptomatic men with at least a 10-year life expectancy speak with their physician about screening for prostate cancer.
- Breast Cancer – The ACS recommends that women undergo regular mammography screening for the early detection of breast cancer.
These are just a few of the screenings recommended by the American Cancer Society. In any case, it’s essential to have an open dialogue with a physician to determine if or when you should be screened for cancer or any other condition. If your primary care physician doesn’t provide these screenings, they can refer you to someone who does.
Easy Access to Primary Care
In the past, people skipped annual physicals or visits to the doctor because they lacked health insurance or expensive copays, and deductibles made their coverage too expensive to use. Fortunately, more innovative healthcare solutions like direct primary care (DPC) have made visiting a primary care physician easy and affordable for everyone.
This healthcare membership differs from insurance because it provides unlimited access to a primary care doctor for a low monthly membership fee. This membership often includes annual physicals as well as other screenings and chronic disease management for diseases within manageable ranges.
For more information on how DPC can provide affordable access to preventive healthcare, contact Healthcare2U.
