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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Cancer Prevention and Screening in the US

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research published in the June 30, 2025, edition of Cancer Vaccine Week indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on cancer prevention and screening in the United States. According to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society, the prevalence of major modifiable cancer risk factors, human papillomavirus vaccination, and cancer screenings among US adults has changed significantly since the onset of the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pandemic led to a decline in smoking prevalence from 14.2% in 2019 to 11% in 2023, but smoking rates remained higher among American Indian/Alaska Native individuals, Black males, lower-educated individuals, and bisexual females.
  • Despite efforts to increase vaccination rates, human papillomavirus vaccination prevalence remained flat between 2021 and 2023, with only 61.4% of individuals ages 13-17 being up-to-date with their vaccinations.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic also saw a rebound in the prevalence of recommended cancer screenings, with breast cancer screening increasing from 79.1% in 2019 to 79.9% in 2023, and colorectal cancer screening increasing from 60.1% in 2019 to 60.4% in 2023.
  • The study found that excess body weight prevalence remained stable during the pandemic, with 31.8% of adults being overweight and 40.4% being obese.
  • Heavy alcohol use remained a significant concern, with 6.4% of adults reporting heavy drinking in 2022.

Statistics:

  • Smoking prevalence decreased from 14.2% in 2019 to 11% in 2023.
  • Human papillomavirus vaccination prevalence remained flat between 2021 and 2023, at 61.4%.
  • Breast cancer screening increased from 79.1% in 2019 to 79.9% in 2023.
  • Colorectal cancer screening increased from 60.1% in 2019 to 60.4% in 2023.
  • Excess body weight prevalence remained stable, with 31.8% of adults being overweight and 40.4% being obese in August 2023.
  • Heavy alcohol use remained a concern, with 6.4% of adults reporting heavy drinking in 2022.

Sources:

  • Prevalence and Review of Major Modifiable Cancer Risk Factors, Hpv Vaccination, and Cancer Screenings In the United States: 2025 Update. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2025;34(6):836-849.
  • Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. Amer Assoc Cancer Research, 615 Chestnut St, 17TH Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, USA.
  • American Cancer Society. Surveillance & Hlth Equ Sci, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.

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