U.S. cancer screening rates show significant gaps in colorectal and lung health

Recent studies highlight critical gaps in preventive cancer screenings among U.S. adults. Research published in JAMA Network Open indicates that approximately 34.5% of Americans aged 45 to 75 are not up to date on colorectal cancer screenings. Adults without a regular doctor face a 61% higher risk of being overdue, while uninsured individuals face a 47% higher risk. The study also found that U.S.-born adults without a usual source of care had a 71.6% overdue rate, compared to 30.6% for those with a regular doctor. Younger eligible adults (ages 45 to 49) showed the highest rates of being overdue at 61.8%.

Separately, data from the American Cancer Society reveals that only about one in five eligible Americans received a recommended lung cancer screening in 2024. Despite the screening being a quick, 10-minute low-dose CT scan requiring no special preparation, participation remains low. Eligibility for annual lung cancer screening typically includes adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.