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9 in 10 Americans have put off health checkups and screenings that could help save their lives
Prnewswireยท 2025-04-23 12:07
Core Insights - The Aflac Wellness Matters Survey highlights that 90% of Americans delay preventive checkups or screenings, with younger generations particularly affected by various barriers [1][2][3] Group 1: Preventive Care Challenges - 94% of Americans face barriers to obtaining recommended screenings in a timely manner [2] - Common screenings avoided include pap smears (33%), prostate exams (32%), colonoscopies (32%), mammograms (31%), blood tests (31%), full body skin cancer exams (27%), and STD screenings (22%) [3] - Millennials (62%) and Gen Z (61%) are the most likely to avoid these screenings [3] Group 2: Attitudes Towards Health Care - 65% of Americans become proactive about their health only after experiencing a health scare [4] - Those who believe they will be diagnosed with cancer are more likely to delay screenings (62% vs. 42%) [4] Group 3: Primary Care Access - Nearly 20% of Americans lack a regular primary care physician, often citing good health as the reason [7] - 41% of Americans, particularly Gen Z (51%) and millennials (54%), primarily use urgent care or emergency rooms for medical needs [7] Group 4: Generational Differences - Younger generations are more likely to consult family and friends or social media for health concerns, with 68% interested in using AI for health issues [8][9] - Gen Z women (68%) are more likely to skip screenings compared to Gen Z men (55%) [10] Group 5: Influence of Community and Family - 70% of individuals confident in their loved ones' health priorities are more likely to prioritize their own health [12] - 24% of those diagnosed with cancer were urged by a loved one to get checked, indicating the importance of social support in health care decisions [13][14] Group 6: Aflac's Role and Commitment - Aflac emphasizes the importance of preventive care and the establishment of trusted relationships with primary care physicians [6][15] - The company has been recognized for its ethical practices and commitment to corporate social responsibility [17][18]