Some are voluntarily opting out for fear of encountering the virus, while others have had their appointments canceled by healthcare providers rerouting resources to COVID-19 patients. Yet even before the pandemic, women’s wellness has often taken a back seat. “It’s unfortunate terminology.”AdvertisementThat lack of urgency has compounded many women’s suffering during the pandemic. Miller, of the CDC, said that when the first stay-at-home orders in Southern California were lifted in June, some cervical cancer screenings did resume, but at a rate about 25% below normal. “I know I should get another check soon,” she said, “but the anxiety of COVID feels like more of a priority than the anxiety of cervical cancer.”

Source: Los Angeles Times February 22, 2021 14:02 UTC