Severe Obesity Linked to Lower Cancer Screening Rates in US Adults

Strategic Insights -

Severe obesity is a growing health concern in the United States, affecting millions of adults. A recent cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 50 or higher have significantly lower cancer screening rates. This alarming trend highlights the need to remove barriers that discourage cancer testing in severely obese individuals, who may face discomfort, equipment limitations, and stigma when seeking medical care.

Key Takeaways:

  • Adults with a BMI of 50 or higher have significantly lower cancer screening rates, with a decrease of 12.3% in Papanicolaou testing, 14.5% in mammography, 16.2% in sigmoidoscopy, and 13.5% in colonoscopy compared to the base categories.
  • Moderate obesity (BMI 30-39.9) shows slightly higher screening rates, possibly due to better healthcare access and fewer barriers.
  • The study analyzed over 2 million profiles from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, excluding those without body mass index statistics.
  • The researchers classified the participants into five BMI groups: 30.0 to 34.9, 35.0 to 39.9, 40.0 to 49.0, more than 50.0, and a reference range of 18.5 to 29.9.
  • The study looked at cancer screenings for colon and rectal, cervical, breast, and prostate cancer, all of which are routinely recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

Statistics:

  • 12.3% decrease in Papanicolaou testing rates among adults with a BMI of 50 or higher.
  • 14.5% decrease in mammography rates among adults with a BMI of 50 or higher.
  • 16.2% decrease in sigmoidoscopy rates among adults with a BMI of 50 or higher.
  • 13.5% decrease in colonoscopy rates among adults with a BMI of 50 or higher.
  • Over 2 million profiles analyzed from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Sources:

  • Obesity Severity and Cancer Screening in US Adults (Corpodean, F. (2025). Obesity Severity and Cancer Screening in US Adults. JAMA Network Open. doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.32402)
  • Medindia (source citing Corpodean, F. (2025). Obesity Severity and Cancer Screening in US Adults. JAMA Network Open.)