The American Cancer Society and Aflac are partnering to raise awareness of the critical role cancer screening and early detection play in helping prevent cancer and reduce its impact
Unfortunately, almost everyone will be touched by cancer in some way. As a pioneer in supplemental cancer insurance, Aflac sees firsthand how cancer impacts individuals and families, not just physically, but financially and emotionally as well. That’s why we have long been a public champion, through our products, services, and community care, for cancer prevention and education. In short, we believe that your wellness matters.
Physical wellness matters:
Aflac believes that proactive health care can help lead to early detection of cancer and other illnesses, which can significantly increase the likelihood of a positive health outcome.
- In 2023, we initiated the annual Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, a scientific assessment of the attitudes and actions of Americans regarding early detection and preventive care, to help promote this essential part of one’s health care journey.
- Alarmingly, according to the survey, while 56% of respondents who have been diagnosed with cancer say it was discovered at a regularly scheduled screening or routine exam, 77% of Americans admit to putting off an important health checkup.
- Check out the Aflac Wellness Matters Survey to see how preventive care and early detection can make a difference, because your physical wellness matters.
2024 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, page 18
2024 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, page 12
Financial wellness matters:
More than half of cancer survivors surveyed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM in 2024 say they carry medical debt related to their cancer treatment.1 At the same time, the 2024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report shows that more than half of American workers are unable to pay $1,000 for out-of-pocket costs related to a medical event.
- As health care costs continue to rise, Americans with cancer often encounter challenges regarding their financial wellness.
- This often leads to necessary decisions that can result in even greater financial peril, including borrowing from retirement, taking out a second mortgage, or setting up crowdfunding pages.2
- At Aflac, we believe no family should have to choose between their physical health and affordability, because your financial wellness matters.
1Medical Debt and Cancer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, 2024
22024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report Executive Summary page 46
Mental & emotional wellness matters:
According to the Aflac Wellness Matters study, 38% of millennials say they worry about their mental health. Imagine, then, the impact of a loved one being diagnosed with cancer. It can affect the whole family. While there are emotional impacts, there are also practical concerns, not the least of which is when a family member is called on to be the caregiver.
- While taking care of the patient (keeping up with medical records, medicines, and doctor/treatment appointments), a family member may also be called on to assume the household responsibilities of the patient – making lunches for the kids, getting everyone to sport practices and extracurricular activities, and more.
- As a cancer insurance pioneer who has helped provide financial protection to millions, Aflac believes having emotional balance can help you focus on recovery rather than financial stress. We know your mental and emotional wellness matter.
Wellness matters. Own it.
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A cancer diagnosis can prompt extraordinary challenges that can impact one’s physical health, emotional stability, and financial wellness. Aflac and the American Cancer Society, two long-time champions for families facing cancer are partnering to educate Americans by addressing the connection between health and wellness, preventive care, and the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of a cancer diagnosis.
Wellness matters
Americans are not taking charge of their health
Preventive Health Care Matters: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans delayed a wellness appointment because they felt healthy or didn’t think they needed checkups at their age.
Building Relationships Matters: More than half of African American survey respondents (59%) and half of Hispanic respondents (50%) said they are more likely to seek preventive care from sources that come from a similar cultural background.
Preventive Healthcare Matters: 70% of Gen Z and 66% of millennial respondents primarily use urgent care or the emergency room for their health care needs.
Support Matters: Respondents of different genders, ethnicities, and generations say their spouses and partners are the biggest health advocates outside of themselves.
About the study: The 2024 Wellness Matters Survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 employed U.S. adults ages 18-65 in April 2024 by Kantar Profiles on behalf of Aflac.
The results from the 2024 Wellness Matters Survey are intended for informational purposes only. Aflac's family of insurers American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, and/or Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC) and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.
WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Coverage is underwritten by Aflac. In New York, coverage is underwritten by Aflac New York.
Z2500076
Exp. 4/25
