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

For many, that included common, annual tests and screenings.

It is time to get back on track, however, and a couple of national nonprofits are working to remind residents to schedule those delayed 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.

“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.

It is easy to find reasons to delays such exams during any “ordinary” year; it is even easier as the specter of COVID-19 looms. It is not wise, though, to avoid those important tests.

However you arrange for the screenings, get it done, folks.

It’s one easy step that could save your life.