Cancer Screening Rates Drop Among Americans

Half of Americans Skip Vital Cancer Screenings

A concerning trend has emerged in preventive healthcare across the United States. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation‘s 2025 Early Detection Survey, only 51% of Americans are receiving regular cancer screenings and routine medical care. This represents a significant 10 percentage-point decrease from similar data collected in 2024, raising alarms among healthcare professionals.

The comprehensive survey, which gathered insights from 7,000 U.S. adults aged 21 or older, reveals a troubling gap in preventive care that could have serious implications for public health outcomes. Healthcare experts warn that this decline could lead to later-stage cancer diagnoses, which typically result in more complicated treatments and poorer survival rates.

Awareness Gap Drives Screening Decline

The survey identified several key reasons why patients miss their cancer screenings. Most notably:

• 43% of respondents were unaware they needed specific cancer screenings
• 40% didn’t experience any symptoms and therefore didn’t seek screening
• 40% cited no family history of cancer as their reason for skipping screenings

These findings highlight a critical need for enhanced public education about the importance of preventive screenings, regardless of symptoms or family history. Many cancers can develop without noticeable symptoms in early stages, making routine screening essential for early detection.

Medical professionals emphasize that cancer does not always present warning signs until it has advanced. By then, treatment options may be more limited and less effective. Regular screenings can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage, often before symptoms appear.

Breast Cancer Awareness Shows Positive Impact

Among the various cancer screenings, breast cancer testing stands out with relatively higher participation rates. The survey found that 65% of women over age 40 had received their routine mammograms as recommended.

This figure significantly outpaces other cancer screening rates:

• Only 32% of men are current with testicular cancer screenings
• Just 36% of adults report being up-to-date on skin cancer checks
• Colorectal cancer screening rates hover around 45%, despite being highly effective at detecting precancerous polyps

Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, attributes the higher breast cancer screening rates to effective public awareness campaigns. The survey found that approximately two-thirds of respondents were familiar with initiatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which has become a cultural phenomenon with its recognizable pink ribbon symbol.

“The success of educational campaigns and hard work of patient advocacy organizations seems to have broken through the noise and made a difference in breast cancer screening rates,” Hoyos noted. “These campaigns have successfully communicated not just awareness of the disease but the crucial importance of early detection through regular screening.”

Improving Access to Life-Saving Screenings

Despite the relative success of breast cancer awareness efforts, Hoyos emphasized that even the 65% screening rate falls short of public health goals. “We have a lot of work to do to increase screening rates for better health outcomes,” she stated. “And for other cancer types, it’s an even taller order. We need to shine a light on the importance of all routine cancer screenings, so everyone has the best chance for a healthy future.”

The survey data points to several promising strategies for boosting cancer screening participation:

• Education drives action: Patients are 73% more likely to get screened when they understand the benefits of early detection and the screening process itself
• Convenient options matter: 42% of respondents said they would complete screenings if at-home testing was available, highlighting the importance of accessibility
• Cost concerns persist: 32% cited affordability as a barrier, despite the Affordable Care Act’s coverage of preventive screenings. Many remain unaware that follow-up diagnostic testing may incur additional costs not covered by insurance
• Reminders work: 61% of respondents would appreciate text, email, or phone reminders about screening appointments, suggesting simple communication strategies could significantly improve compliance
• Navigation assistance helps: 51% indicated that connecting with a patient navigator would make the process easier by providing guidance through the healthcare system and answering questions about what to expect

Healthcare systems that implement multiple approaches simultaneously often see the best results. Combining patient education with practical support, such as transportation assistance or extended clinic hours, has proven effective in community health settings.

Overcoming Fear Through Early Detection

The survey revealed that 73% of adults experience anxiety about cancer screenings, with one-third specifically worried about receiving a cancer diagnosis. This fear-based avoidance represents a significant psychological barrier that public health messages must address.

Mental health experts suggest that acknowledging this fear while emphasizing the empowerment that comes with preventive action can help patients overcome screening hesitancy. When patients understand that early detection significantly improves treatment options and outcomes, they can reframe screening as a positive step toward maintaining health rather than a potentially frightening experience.

Addressing this concern, Hoyos offered reassurance: “If you are someone who has put off a routine screening from fear of a diagnosis, you are not alone. But if you’re going to receive a diagnosis, it is better to get it early because early detection equals better outcomes.”

She emphasized the foundation’s mission to empower rather than frighten people about their health. “Our goal is to arm people with the information they need so they can feel empowered — not scared — to check their health.”

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