Building Awareness for Early Cancer Screening

In 2026, the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined was 70%, a significant improvement from 50% in the mid-1970s. The improvement in survival outcomes since then has been driven by several factors, one of which was the implementation of early detection and screening programs.

The earlier a cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Cancers caught at early stages tend to have more favorable prognoses and higher survival rates. The 5-year relative survival rates for some common cancers, based on their stage at detection, are given in the table below.

As shown, the survival rates for these cancers differ considerably based on whether the disease is detected at the localized, regional, or distant stage. Survival rates are highest for localized cancers and lowest for distant cancers, highlighting the importance of early detection before the disease has had a chance to spread.

In 2023, researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan estimated that screening programs for breast, colon, cervical, and lung cancer in the past 25 years have saved the United States 12 million life years and $6.5 trillion in healthcare expenditure.

The team also detailed that if everyone who qualified for screening for these cancers received it, at least another 3.3 million life years and $1.7 trillion in healthcare expenditure could be saved. This number is likely to be even greater after accounting for all the other common cancers.

Despite the clear benefits of early detection and screening, implementing effective population-wide screening programs remains challenging. In 2024, a nationwide survey by the Prevent Cancer Foundation found that nearly 7 in 10 adults in the United States are behind on at least one routine cancer screening.

The most common reason for not undergoing screening, as reported by 43% of those surveyed, was not knowing that it was needed. Other common reasons included not having a family history of disease, as reported by 38% of participants, and not having any symptoms of disease, as reported by 33% of participants. These reasons are likely to be a reflection of a lack of knowledge surrounding the disease, as only about 5-10% of new cases are hereditary, and several types do not exhibit visible symptoms until later stages.

In their report, the foundation detailed the need for an improved population-wide understanding of the importance of screening and the early detection of cancer. This need is further exacerbated among those who are at high risk for certain cancers. However, knowing whether one is at high risk also requires a robust understanding of contributing factors, such as family history or environmental, behavioral and occupational factors.

While information about the benefits of cancer screening and the contribution of risk factors is readily available both online and offline, the effective translation of such knowledge to improve population-wide awareness remains a challenge. What is more, simply knowing about cancer screening and risk factors may not always translate to action in the form of a follow-up appointment or change in lifestyle. To have a considerable impact on the population, it is important that people both learn about the disease and take action to improve their health.

Optimity, a health rewards mobile application aimed at making members’ lives healthier and longer, is collaborating with Our Cancer Stories to close this gap through gamified education and a ‘healthy action’ reward system. Through rewarding users for completing quizzes, activities, and challenges, the platform aims to improve users’ knowledge of screening and risk factors and motivate them to lower their cancer risk by making positive lifestyle changes.

Optimity rewards users in the form of ‘gems’. Once users have accumulated enough gems, they can redeem them for exclusive discounts and offers from leading health and longevity brands.

“Know the Signs” challenge with Optimity and Our Cancer Stories

A new challenge titled “Know the Signs” will run on the platform from May 25 to 31, 2026. The challenge aims to encourage users to learn more about early cancer screening and uses reviewed content from the Our Cancer Stories repository to do so. Unique quizzes on each day of the week will be focused on enhancing users’ understanding of screening and risk factors for four common cancer types: breast, colorectal, prostate, and uterine cancer. Pre-enrollment for “Know the Signs” will begin on May 20.

To join the challenge,

1. Download Optimity
2. Sign up for a free account
3. Tap the “Challenges” tab and join in!

This article is an educational collaboration and is not sponsored.