People are skipping life-saving tests.
Routine cancer screenings are crucial for detecting the disease early, often before symptoms arise, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment. Despite their importance, recent findings from the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF) reveal a troubling decline in the number of Americans undergoing these screenings. In 2025, only 51% of adults aged 21 and older reported attending a routine medical visit or cancer screening in the past year—a notable 10-point drop compared to 2024.
One of the main reasons for this decline appears to be fear. The PCF’s annual Early Detection Survey found that 73% of adults experience anxiety about getting screened for cancer. Over a third of respondents said they fear receiving a cancer diagnosis, and among them, nearly 40% believe that a cancer diagnosis equates to a death sentence. Jody Hoyos, CEO of PCF, emphasized that although fear is natural, early detection is key to survival, noting that cancers found early often have a five-year survival rate nearing 90%.
The survey also uncovered widespread misinformation and misunderstanding about the need for screenings. Many adults skipped screenings because they lacked symptoms (40%) or did not have a family history of the disease (also 40%). Additionally, 43% said they were unaware they needed screening, and skepticism about the healthcare system has grown, with one in seven expressing doubt—a 38% rise from the previous year.
Screening rates vary widely depending on the type of cancer. Breast cancer has the highest participation, with 65% of women staying current with screenings. However, screenings for other types—such as testicular and skin cancer—remain significantly lower, at just 32% and 36% respectively. Hoyos noted that while breast cancer awareness efforts have made progress, there is still much work to be done to improve participation rates across all cancers.
The survey also highlighted ways to encourage more people to get screened. Seventy-three percent of respondents said they would be more likely to schedule screenings if they understood the benefits of early detection. Practical suggestions for boosting participation included providing at-home test options (42%), making screenings more affordable (32%), sending reminders via text or email (61%), and offering support through patient navigators (51%). The survey collected responses from 7,000 adults across the U.S. between January 22 and February 10, with a margin of error of ±1 percentage point.
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