Routine cancer screenings have been put on hold due to COVID-19, until now

MILWAUKEE -- Many doctor's appointments have been delayed by COVID-19 -- and that includes routine cancer screenings.

Debbie Gould always feels nervous before her mammograms. In 2015, one detected abnormal cells.

"It was DCIS, which is stage 0 cancer, and I ended up having a lumpectomy," Gould said.

After six weeks of radiation, Gould was in the clear. Her mammograms since -- have been normal.

"Once they started looking routine, there was no issues found -- then they moved to once a year," Gould said.

But on May 15, Gould's routine mammogram was canceled. So was the follow-up appointment with her oncologist to discuss an expiring prescription.

"I was told it was not going to be rescheduled until possibly August," Gould said.

Area hospitals tell Contact 6 they had to postpone routine cancer screenings due to COVID-19 for people considered at low or average risk.

A report by the Epic Health Research Network in Verona reveals routine screenings for breast cancer in nationwide data dropped 94 percent in March. Cervical cancer screenings declined 94 percent -- and colon cancer screenings went down 86 percent.

"By detecting the cancer earlier, you ideally will catch it in a state where it is easier to treat," said Dr. Chris Mast of Epic.

Mast said there are two reasons for the drop in preventative screenings. One, hospitals and clinics canceling appointments -- and two, patients canceling.

"Sometimes people are concerned about going out or going to the place to get the screening done because of the pandemic," Mast said.

"Cancer can spread really fast, as we all know, and time is of the essence," Gould said.

Gould's mammogram was postponed by Froedtert which tells Contact 6 it...

"Initially, there were some deferments of appointments because we wanted to reduce the number of people coming into the building," said MaryBeth Kingston from Aurora. "Anything that was urgent, emergent or would have long-term impact, we did not."

Aurora and Ascension both tell Contact 6 they have begun rescheduling appointments for routine care.

"It is safe to come into the hospital. We do not want people to be afraid to come into care sites," Kingston said.

Gould wanted to go. She now has a mammogram scheduled with Aurora but said having to switch doctors was disappointing.

Froedtert will resume mammogram scheduling on May 27. Patients are being contacted. The hospital says it will continue with CDC guidance on social distancing and that safety of their patients and staff is always their top priority.

Dr. Mast said if you have an average risk of cancer, a delay of a month or two should not significantly increase your risk of having cancer detected. But do not put off making an appointment if you are due. Call your doctor's office to have a discussion.

CLICK HERE for information on preventative cancer screenings during the pandemic

Dr. Gregory Brusko, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Wisconsin, issued the following statement: