By Chris Brown

Don't avoid the doctor

Campaign reminds Albertans to listen to their bodies, watch for changes

Jan 19, 2021 | 11:11 AM

Alberta Health Services launched a public campaign this week to remind people to listen to their bodies and book an appointment with a doctor if something doesn’t seem right.

“Everyone wants to do the right thing during the pandemic and this should include visiting a doctor, if they have a health concern,” says Health Minister Tyler Shandro in a release. “The health system in Alberta has been and continues to be open to help diagnose and manage illness and disease. I encourage Albertans to seek medical help when needed.”

Data shows that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic fewer people are seeking care for serious health concerns. This campaign targets symptoms that may be linked to a cancer diagnosis such as changes to a mole, blood in urine, a new or growing lump or unexplained weight loss or gain.

“Cancer diagnosis rates typically increase slightly each year in Alberta; however, our data shows us that well over 2,000 cancers have gone undiagnosed since the COVID pandemic started last March, compared to data from the same period in 2019,” says Dr. Doug Stewart, physician and medical oncologist with AHS. “This is very alarming. We are now seeing cases where Albertans did not seek medical attention for several months after they first noticed warning symptoms and their diagnosis is unfortunately more serious than it could have been if it was caught earlier.”

When asked why they may not seek medical attention over the past 10 months, Albertans’ most common responses were that they were afraid to contract COVID-19, and they didn’t want to take resources away from those were may need it more.

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“Your family doctor is there for you and available to assist if you are experiencing health concerns such as new changes to your body,” says Dr. Linda Slocombe, senior medical director, Primary Health Care, AHS. “Primary care offices are screening patients for COVID-19 prior to appointments and are taking the necessary safety precautions to protect patients and staff. They are safe places to seek care when needed. Please contact your doctor and do not delay if you have health concerns.”

More information about cancer symptoms and how to find a family doctor can be found at ahs.ca/bodytalk