How to talk to your loved ones about routine cancer screenings
When it comes to cancer, Early Detection = Better Outcomes. Yet just 51% of U.S. adults 21 years of age and older say they have had a routine medical appointment or routine cancer screening in the last year. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call.
If someone you care about is putting off their screenings, your voice could be the one that helps them take action. But how do you start that conversation? Let’s walk through it.
Lead with love, not fear. It’s natural for people to feel anxious about going to the doctor or going in for a routine screening. (Scanxiety is a real thing!) But fear-based messages can backfire. Instead, frame the conversation around care and concern.
Instead of: “If you don’t get screened for cancer, you could get sick and die.”
Try this: “I know these things can be scary, but I want you around for a long time. That’s why I’m bringing this up.”
Share your own story. If you’ve had a routine screening yourself, talk about it. Normalizing the experience could encourage someone to go for themselves. Whether it was a quick check at the dentist for oral cancer ወይም ሀ routine skin exam that caught something early, personal stories can make the idea of screening feel more real—and more doable.
Address the “why nots.” People skip routine screenings for many reasons: Fear of results, cost, time or simply not knowing they are due for a screening. Acknowledge those concerns. Then offer solutions:
- “Did you know most insurance plans cover routine screenings?”
- “There’s a free quiz on preventcancer.org that takes under a minute and tells you which screenings you need.”
- “Let’s look at your calendar together and find a time.”
For additional resources for you and your loved ones, visit preventcancer.org/resources.
Make it a shared commitment. Sometimes, the best way to encourage someone is to do it with them. Schedule your own screening and invite your family member or friend to do the same. Not only does this approach turn a solo task into a shared act of self-care, but you can also have a buddy join you for a post-screening treat!
Keep the door open. These things can take time, so let your loved one know you’re always there to talk—and that you’ll bring it up another time. If they are hesitant because of the process of the test or screening itself, discuss their options with them (yes, some tests can even be done at-home) to see if a different approach will make a difference. It’s not uncommon to need to broach the subject in a few ways before making progress.
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Talking about cancer screenings isn’t always easy. But it’s one of the most powerful ways to show someone you care. Your words could be the nudge that leads to early detection—and better outcomes.