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State Health Compare

Percent of adults who have received recommended cancer screenings

Measure Overview

A ‘cancer screening’ is a preventative test that can check for and help identify cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat or cure. Screening for cancer is linked to earlier diagnosis, reduced mortality, and fewer complications. The National Institutes of Health estimates that between 1975 and 2020, cancer screening, prevention, and treatment efforts averted 6 million deaths from common cancers; of those, screening and prevention averted 80% of those deaths, showing just how important cancer screenings are. Common types of cancer screenings are for breast cancer (e.g., mammogram), cervical cancer (e.g., Pap test), and colon cancer (e.g., colonoscopy). 

Despite the known, life-saving benefits of routine cancer screenings, many adults delay or forgo these screenings. This can be for a number of reasons, such as lack of access to a medical provider or transportation, fear of a cancer diagnosis, or poor understanding of the importance of cancer screenings. Given that the rate of cancer screenings can be improved through public health education, it is important to track data on how many adults receive cancer screenings to identify and address the reasons why some do not receive recommended routine cancer screenings. 

Percent of Adults Who Received Recommended Cancer Screenings by State: Breakdowns and Data Source


State Health Compare provides state-level rates of adults who have received recommended cancer screenings, including Pap smears, colorectal cancer screenings, and mammograms. This measure is based on SHADAC’s analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. 

Four breakdowns are available for this measure: Coverage Type, Education, Race/Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation.

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cancer screening data by coverage type

Cancer Screening Data: Adults Who Have Received Recommended Cancer Screenings by Coverage Type, Education Level, and Race/Ethnicity in 2022

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