2021 CANCER SCREENING SURVEY

COVID-19 caused many Americans to fall behind on cancer screenings. Getting back on track with regular screenings is essential to help find cancer early and take control of your health.

In September 2021, the Cancer Screen Week initiative conducted a survey assessing attitudes toward prioritization of cancer screenings and personal care during the COVID pandemic, as well as addressing overall sentiment toward cancer screenings.

While there are existing barriers to screening, such as access and limited financial resources, the survey found that barriers like anxiety, knowledge gaps and competing health priorities are keeping many from taking actions to get screened.

Survey findings revealed:¹⁹

Nearly 90% of people surveyed are unaware of at what age people should start screening.
7 in 10 have visited their doctor in the last year, but only 13% consider cancer screening a priority topic for discussion with their primary care provider.
4 in 10 found it at least somewhat risky to go to the doctor or get a cancer screening due to COVID-19.
About half of respondents state they regularly put off routine health screenings, such as screening tests for cancer — and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a driver of missed screenings.

If you haven't yet been screened for cancer or are overdue for a screening, take action and talk to a doctor about the screening plan that is right for you.

Learn more about the survey findings:

READ SURVEY RESULTS

DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS

Even amid COVID-19, cancer screenings are as important as ever. Read important information from the American Cancer Society that can help you plan a safe return to regular cancer screening.

SEE CANCER SCREENING GUIDANCE

SPREAD THE WORD

Share potentially life-saving information about common cancer types and screenings with your family, friends and others.

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