As guidelines for stemming the spread of COVID-19 were handed down last year, one of the first steps hospitals and clinics took was to reduce the number of in-person visits and elective procedures.

For many, that included tests and screenings — and frankly, plenty of patients were grateful for the excuse to put off those visits.

It is time to get back on track, however, and a couple of national nonprofits are working in Ohio to remind residents to schedule those long-delayed screenings, including cancer screenings.

CancerCare and the Community Oncology Alliance are using the “Time to Screen” campaign to educate and provide resources for adults looking to schedule screenings for breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate, lung and skin cancers.

“Early cancer detection may save lives. As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s time for Ohioans to schedule their regular cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies,” said Dr. Randy Broun, member of COA’s board of directors and practice member at Oncology Hematology Care Inc. in Cincinnati.

“Adults, especially those over the age of 40, should visit TimeToScreen.org for help finding free or low-cost cancer screening options. Do it for yourself and the people you love.”

Of course, your own doctor can help, too, and might be glad for the opportunity to ask when you are going to schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off as well.

However you arrange for the screenings, get it done, folks. It could save your life.