A number of patient advocacy groups, medical and imaging societies, and an industry trade association have banded together to address a growing concern over patients who may have delayed important screens, scans, vaccinations and treatments as a result of coronavirus fears.

A survey conducted by the American Cancer Society found that 87% of respondents reported some change, delay or disruption to their health care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those, the changes were suggested by the physician 64% of the time, by the patient 9% of the time, and jointly 27% of the time.

Called the #ReturnToCare Coalition, the group has created a website offering patient information and resources that encourage patients to seek the care they need in consultation with their health care providers. “Seeking necessary care can prevent progression of disease to more advanced stages, where it becomes less treatable,” according to the website.

ASRT is a member of the coalition that includes, among others, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Radiology, American Society of Hematology, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Radiological Society of North America and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.