Sexual health experts across Canada are concerned the COVID-19 pandemic may be causing women to neglect their reproductive care.
A global crisis isn’t the time to postpone essential appointments, they say. “The message should be loud and clear that critical screening practices absolutely should continue,” said Dr.
Lori Brotto, a psychotherapist and the director of the UBC Sexual Health Laboratory in Vancouver. “Women are on a fixed schedule for a reason and that regular surveillance is very critical.” Pap smears that screen for cervical cancer and mammograms, which can detect breast cancer, are particularly important for women who either have a family history or have had irregular tests in the past.