CANCER screening rates for breast and colorectal cancer rebounded in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent study. However, cervical cancer screening rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, with improvements in screening primarily benefiting those with higher socioeconomic status.
The study used data from the National Health Interview Survey. Researchers examined screening trends among thousands of individuals between 2019 and 2023, assessing how rates changed after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine healthcare services.
Findings revealed that breast cancer screening increased by 7% and colorectal cancer screening by 12% between 2019 and 2023. Compared to the declines observed in 2021, both screening types saw significant rebounds by 2023. However, cervical cancer screening rates remained 14% below 2019 levels, showing no notable improvement since 2021.
“Improving patient communication around cancer screening and providing patient navigators to assist with the structural and cost barriers to screening are two ways health systems can help with successful screening rebounds,” said the authors.
The study highlighted significant disparities in screening recovery. Colorectal cancer screening increased by 17% among college graduates but did not improve among individuals with only a high school education or less. Breast cancer screening rebounded across all education levels, increasing by 10% to 28% between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, individuals with private or Medicare insurance saw a 6% to 15% increase in breast and colorectal cancer screening, whereas uninsured individuals experienced no significant change.
Cervical cancer screening saw an 8% increase among college graduates between 2021 and 2023, yet rates remained below 2019 levels across most educational and insurance groups. Previous research suggested that declines in cervical cancer screening were linked to a decrease in patient awareness and provider recommendations, a trend that may have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
With disparities persisting, the team emphasised the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to cancer screening.
“Hopefully, this can inform where additional attention or resources might be needed to improve cancer screening rates,” they said.
The research team plan to release further studies which will provide updated information on cancer risk factors and screening trends.
Reference
Star J et al. Cancer screening 3 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA Netw. 2025;DOI:10.1001/jama.2025.0902.
