BOZEMAN — It's easy to overlook other health concerns with so much focus on the coronavirus right now.
“I know that there’s been a trend in the country of patients coming to delayed diagnosis because waiting to get a check-up or see a physician,” explained Dr. Kenneth May, an oncologist at Bozeman Health.
A quick online search will bring up a list of dozens of health risks this month aims at raising awareness, which may not be a priority for some as we’re dealing with the coronavirus.
“Realizing that the pandemic is not going to just disappear in a few weeks. I think we all need to think about how to keep ourselves well. I think one of the best ways to stay healthy and keep our immune and general health well is to make sure everything is on track,” he said.
One of those health topics this month is Prostate Cancer.
“There’s been a message out there that prostate cancer is not a threatening cancer and that it doesn’t necessarily need to be worried about, and I think in some cases that’s true. But there are other prostate cancers that are aggressive and grow quickly. So, I think it’s important for men to realize talking to their primary care providers about getting checked for prostate cancer’s important,” Dr. May said.
So, continuing safety precautions for the coronavirus is encouraged. But it’s also a great time to check on some of those other health risks.
“I think it’s important to pay attention to one’s body. So, again talk to your physician about regular checkups and decide if a prostate cancer check or a lab test is worth is and paying attention to your body to make sure you’re not ignoring symptoms that could help you catch something early,” he said.
It’s never too early for preventative care. But sometimes, it can be too late.