Breast and colorectal cancer screening rates have rebounded
March 19, 2025
Source: Star, et al JAMA March 5, 2025. Data shown is those with private insurance
JAMA reports that both breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening rates that declined during the pandemic have now returned to pre-pandemic levels, while screening for cervical cancer remains lower than reported in 2019. Cervical cancer screening increased post-pandemic in those with a college education but decreased in those with a high school degree or less education. The researchers used data from the National Health Interview Survey. Although this survey includes extensive questions about various types of colorectal cancer screening, this survey tool routinely reports lower colorectal cancer screening rates than are reported in claims-based analysis. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) reports that 59.2% of eligible adults were up to date on colorectal cancer screening in 2023.
The researchers did not investigate rates of screening for lung cancer. Lung cancer screening rates are abysmally low; only 6% of those currently eligible get appropriate lung cancer screening.
Implications for employers:
Employers can continue to play a positive role in promoting cancer screening by communicating the importance of screening and that cost sharing is waived for most evidence-based cancer screening.
Although cancer screening does not lower medical claims costs, it leads to earlier diagnoses and better health and can prevent disability and premature loss of employees from the workforce.
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