MetroWest Medical Center Reminds the Community to Stay Up-to-Date on Screenings and Treatments During National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7

Benefits of cancer screenings during COVID-19 pandemic can greatly outweigh the risks

Framingham, MA – MetroWest Medical Center is marking the 33rd National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7th with a strong reminder to the community to make sure missed cancer screening appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic are rescheduled. Early diagnosis of many types of cancer can greatly increase the chance of successful treatment. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, appointments for screenings of cervix, colon and breast cancers were down between 86% and 94% compared to average volumes in the three years before, according to Epic Health Research. The MetroWest Cancer Center has protocols in place to safely treat and support patients with oncologic needs during this pandemic.

“We realize that State orders and social distancing protocols have caused patients to postpone regular screenings that they would have otherwise already had done,” said Andrew D. Harding, Chief Executive Officer of MetroWest Medical Center. “We want our community to know that we have strict COVID SAFETY protocols in place to safely care for patients in our hospital. If you are behind schedule for an important screening, like a mammogram or colonoscopy, you should reschedule in the coming weeks.”

Each year, MetroWest Medical Center celebrates National Cancer Survivors Day with a special event. This year, the hospital is honoring the day in a different capacity, but hopes cancer patients will celebrate their victories safely with their loved ones.

Staff put together a video for their patients