Health library

Keep up with your cancer screenings

Many people may have put off cancer screenings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That could mean that thousands of cancers will go undetected, causing unnecessary deaths.

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) encourages women to talk to their doctors about these important screenings:

• 21 to 64 years of age: cervical cancer screening.
• 50 to 74 years of age: breast cancer screening.

If you've postponed a screening, here are a few things you should know:

1. Delays can be dangerous. Screenings are meant to find cancer in its earliest stages, before it causes symptoms. That's when it's usually easier to treat. Waiting could mean that cancer gets caught at a later state when it is more advanced.

2. Your safety is a top priority. Health care offices are taking steps to keep you safe.

GCHP members can earn a $25 gift card for completing a cervical cancer screening in 2021.

For more information, visit goldcoasthealthplan.org.