Survey warns against delaying cancer screenings

JACKSON, Tenn. — 69% of U.S. adults are behind on at least one routine cancer screening, that’s according to a survey to be released by the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Courtesy: Prevent Cancer Foundation

In the survey, one of the top reasons for being behind on screenings, people simply didn’t know they needed to be screened.

That was the same across nearly all survey participants, regardless of age, sex or race.

Overall, the survey reveals a need for greater education and awareness around routine cancer screenings.

Family history, in particular, seems to be a great source of confusion with a common misconception being that a lack of family history means that screening is unnecessary.

“Most people who get a cancer diagnosis don’t have a family history of cancer. About five to ten percent of cancers are hereditary,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

This fact doesn’t under-value the importance of knowing your family history.

Talking to a provider about screening plans is important for all.

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