Press Releases
ATLANTA, April 30, 2025 —A new study by American Cancer Society (ACS) scientists shows that age, income level, and the amount of education play a role in cancer screening adherence for adults in the United States. The findings are to be presented today at this year’s annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Chicago, April 25-30, 2025.
Researchers led by Kierstin Faw, associate scientist, data analysis at the American Cancer Society, examined data from 129,927 adults using the Cancer Prevention Study- 3. Between 2006 and 2018, cancer-free participants reported cancer screening tests (mammography, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, stool testing, and low-dose lung computed tomography (CT) scans) and year(s) of each screening. Eligibility for each test was determined using 2018 American Cancer Society guidelines. For each person, an adherence score was calculated based on the number of eligible screenings and whether they were adherent. Adherence score was categorized into no, partial, and full adherence. Full adherence means that one was up to date on all cancer screenings they were eligible for.
Study results showed men had a higher proportion of no screening adherence (17%) and complete adherence (81%) compared to women, 8% and 67%, respectively. Study participants who were younger than age 55 years, had an annual income less than $50,000, or had a high school degree or less had a higher proportion of individuals with partial or no adherence versus those who were older, had an annual income of $100,000 or greater, or had a college degree or higher.
Researchers stress these findings may provide an opportunity to increase complete screening adherence, potentially reducing the number of cancers diagnosed at an advanced stage and increasing survival.
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