People in need of routine cancer screenings and important diagnostic tests often find reasons to postpone or avoid getting them done. Sometimes not knowing feels safer than discovering that something is wrong. Concerns about radiation exposure can be another cause for delays, and fear of COVID-19 is yet another. But understand one important truth: timely testing can spot disease early, when it is more easily and successfully treated. And advanced technologies and equipment greatly limit radiation exposure, earning safety approval from the FDA, the American College of Radiology and other monitoring agencies. Any minimal exposure makes these tests far safer than an unchecked illness can be.
As for COVID-19, know that essential healthcare workers performing screenings and diagnostic tests are just as concerned about safety as you are, with the advantage of having the most current information and resources designed to provide protection to everyone. RAO employs rigorous safety standards that have enabled us to continue serving patients securely throughout the pandemic.
Whatever your reason for avoiding your routine screening or diagnostic test, remember that procrastination is too-often the reason that manageable diseases become life-threatening. Don’t let fear or anxiety take your life off-course. The sooner you get your appointment scheduled and over with, the sooner you can get back to your best possible life.
