Doctors are seeing a rise in advanced cancer cases because some patients are skipping their appointments over COVID-19 fears.

“My case is the classic example of why you should never miss, it would have just been easy for me not to go,” Webb said.

Jackie Webb has always been faithful to show up for her routine mammogram appointments over the years. In 2016, she got concerning news during her appointment with Dr. Tara Wilson at Utica Park Clinic.

“There was a suspicious lump and the Radiologist called me and said we need to have this biopsy,” Webb said.

After undergoing one surgery, four months of chemo, and 37 radiation treatments, Webb no longer has any signs of cancer. Webb said the pandemic is not stopping her from making it to her checkups.

The Epic Health Research Network said the rate of routine cancer screenings dropped dramatically from January through April of last year. Breast and cervical cancer screenings dropped by 94 percent, and colon cancer screenings were down by 86 percent.

Dr. Tara Wilson, a Breast Surgeon, said over the past year, COVID has caused many of her patients to not show up for their cancer screenings, resulting in more advanced diseases at the time of diagnosis.

Dr. Wilson believes the health care system is doing its best to make seeing the doctor easier and safer.

“The ease and ability to tele-video visits today compared to where we were a year ago has really advanced,” Dr. Wilson said.

Webb said the appointments can be the difference between life or death. 

“Do not miss that breast cancer exam, do not miss that mammogram,” Webb said.

Dr. Wilson said, since the vaccine rollout, they’ve started to notice more patients show up for screenings.