Delaying regular medical checkups during COVID? Not a good idea

A sign in front of Cedars Sinai in Culver City says “health screening required.” About 40% of adults are canceling or postponing their regular medical checkups during the coronavirus pandemic, says the CDC.

A sign in front of Cedars Sinai in Culver City says “health screening required.” About 40% of adults are canceling or postponing their regular medical checkups during the coronavirus pandemic, says the CDC. Photo by Amy Ta/KCRW

Because of COVID-19, about 40% of adults are canceling or postponing their regular medical appointments, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And for diseases like breast and colon cancer, which rely on regular screenings, experts say delays could mean an additional 10,000 deaths. 

KCRW talks with Dr. Pauline Yi, an internist at UCLA Health, and Tomika Bryant, a breast cancer survivor who is postponing her second mammogram because of coronavirus. 

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Rosalie Atkinson, Brian Hardzinski, Caleigh Wells, Angie Perrin