Some of our patients, fearful of COVID-19, did not seek medical attention at hospitals or imaging centers despite experiencing serious cancer symptoms, such as palpable stiffness. This, of course, led to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Early diagnosis rates have fallen in Türkiye and elsewhere, and breast cancer screening centers have been suspended in many countries. A Dutch study was presented at the 12th European Breast Cancer Congress, which showed that halting six-month breast cancer screenings will increase breast cancer deaths by 2 to 2.4 per hundred thousand over the next decade. Furthermore, it is estimated that breast cancer deaths in the US will increase by 10,000 over the next decade due to screening and diagnosis delays related to this pandemic.

We are no longer facing the panic we experienced in the early days. As patients and healthcare providers, we have learned to live with COVID. As patients and healthcare providers, we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure continuity of care. In our imaging center, all imaging devices are wiped down with disinfectant after patient contact, and the next patient is examined.

Thanks to advancements, breast cancer is a treatable disease when caught early. Our women also have a great responsibility to ensure this. They shouldn't avoid screenings with excuses like, "There's no breast cancer in my family," or "Mammograms hurt." They should value their loved ones and themselves. They shouldn't neglect their mammograms. They should help and support us, radiologists, and participate in screening programs.