From OHC

February 9, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joanie Manzo
Director, Marketing & Physician Services
513-751-2145 x20143
joan.manzo@usoncology.com

According to a statement from The White House, more than 9.5 million cancer screenings in the U.S. were missed because of the COVID pandemic. Lockdowns, fear of exposure, and strained hospital resources have led to delayed screenings and treatment. In addition, patients have been making fewer visits to the doctor to discuss concerning symptoms and signs. “Although recent advances in medicine have reduced the cancer mortality rate, my colleagues and I fear with the ongoing pandemic many patients will continue to fall behind on regular screenings,” said OHC medical oncologist and hematologist, Evan Z. Lang, MD, MS. “We know a delayed cancer diagnosis can result in more advanced cancer with harmful consequences.”

According to the American Cancer Society, at the beginning of the pandemic, cancer screening rates decreased by an astounding 90 percent for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. “At OHC, we are encouraged to see that screening rates have begun rebounding,” said Dr. Lang. “February is National Cancer Prevention Month. This month, and throughout the calendar year, OHC emphasizes the importance of cancer screenings and cancer prevention recommendations.” The cancer practice maintains an up-to-date listing of cancer screening guidelines here: http://ohcare.com/service/cancer-screenings/.

All OHC staff members keep the safety and health of their patients and co-workers at the forefront of their minds. “Last fall, we required all employees to receive the COVID vaccine,” said Dr. Lang. “We stand with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and their recommendation that all eligible persons receive the COVID vaccine. Cancer patients and caregivers should be fully immunized, which includes receiving the boosters.” Cancer patients are among the immunocompromised, making them more vulnerable to infections like COVID-19.

Be assured that healthcare facilities have several safety protocols in place to protect patients, caregivers, and staff from COVID. Do not delay any medical attention or cancer screenings. If you notice bothersome and/or unusual symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.

OHC’s leading cancer specialists remain at the forefront of cancer care offering patients the most advanced therapies and early access to novel treatments through clinical trials. For more information on our doctors or to request a second opinion, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.

OHC (Oncology Hematology Care) has been fighting cancer on the front lines for more than 35 years. We are the region’s leading experts in the treatment of nearly every form of adult cancer and complex blood disorder. OHC cancer experts include medical, hematology, radiation therapy, transplantation, cellular therapy, gynecologic, and breast surgical oncologists. OHC continues to bring leading-edge treatment options through its nationally recognized cancer research and clinical trials program. OHC is the first, most experienced, and only certified independent adult cancer practice in the region to offer the revolutionary immunotherapy treatment, CAR-T, for adults, ushering in a new frontier in the fight against cancer. OHC is certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification Program and is one of only a select few cancer practices nationally to be accepted to participate in the Oncology Care Model, part of The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. At its heart, our approach to cancer care is simple — to surround you with everything you need so you can focus on what matters most: beating cancer. For more information about OHC, or a second opinion, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.