Missed screenings lead to more cancer cases in young people: survey

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — A new survey reveals all ages, particularly Gen Z, are behind on cancer screenings, leading to more young people being diagnosed with cancer.

CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation Jody Hoyos said more young people, between 18 and 49, are being diagnosed with early-onset cancers including breast, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancers.

“We don’t yet fully understand the reasons behind the sharp increase, but we do know that routine screenings can enable us to detect cancer early when there are more treatment options available and better chances of survival,” Hoyos said.

This year’s survey by the foundation found seven in 10 adults of all ages are behind on at least one routine cancer screening.

While those in their 20’s are eligible for just a few routine cancer screenings, it is clear this age group is falling behind:

• Only 35 percent are up-to-date on their cervical cancer screenings
• Only 39 percent are up-to-date on their oral cancer exams
• Only 27 percent received a skin cancer check in the last year

Hoyos said the top reason for not being screened is that they didn’t know they needed to be checked. And more than half of Gen Z adults said they are less likely to schedule an appointment if it requires calling a health care provider’s office.

“I know it may not seem like a big factor, especially for those of us who did not grow up scheduling our appointments online. But picking up the phone and making that appointment, especially for the very first time can feel intimidating to people,” Hoyos explained.

Hoyos said there is also confusion regarding family history. Most cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease.

While it is important to know your family history so you can discuss frequency of check-ups with your doctor, she said everyone needs to get their routine screenings, with or without a family history of cancer.

The earlier you start to take care of your well being, the better your chances of staying healthy later on. Early detection equals better outcomes especially for treating cancer.

Because doctors and researchers don’t yet know why early-onset cancers are increasing, they are focusing on efforts to diagnose these cancers early, when they are typically more treatable.

Go to the Prevent Cancer Foundation website to learn about routine screenings you need at every age.

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