Don't Ignore the Warning Signs of Cancer, Even During a Pandemic

While healthcare systems may be inundated with COVID-19-related traffic, it’s still important to see a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms that could point to cancer, says Diane Zipursky Quale, co-founder of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN).

When asked for advice on how to navigate the pandemic in an interview with CURE^®, Zipursky stressed the importance of staying the course to avoid COVID infection and followed up with a reminder that cancer screening remains a crucial tool in staying healthy as well.

“Just because of COVID-19, we cannot forget about the other things that are of great medical concern,” Zipursky said. “Listen to your body, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to your doctor. They will weigh the risks and the benefits and do what’s best for you.”

Transcription:

I would say listen to the healthcare professionals. The stay-at-home orders, I think, work. Do what you’re supposed to do in terms of washing your hands and using the disinfectants and using a mask and social distance, social distance, social distance (laughs).

One thing I also want to say because I think it’s of great concern both in the bladder cancer field but I think also in the healthcare field itself: if you are not feeling well, if you haven’t even been diagnosed with bladder cancer but you see blood in your urine, don’t be afraid to see a doctor.

Just because of COVID-19, we cannot forget about the other things that are of great medical concern. There is a little bit of concern for people who are showing signs of cancer — showing signs of bladder cancer – and are reluctant to see a doctor. And we know, just as with anything, the sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can get treatment, the better your options are, and the better your prognosis is. Listen to your body, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to your doctor. They will weigh the risks and the benefits and do what’s best for you.

The last thing to know is to take life one day at a time. We will get through this, and we will get through this together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to all of us at the BCAN community, for the resources and the support that you need. It’s a difficult time for all, but I do believe that we are all resilient and we are all strong, and together we will all get through this.