Americans Don't Want to Know if They Have Cancer

One in four American people would prefer not to know they have cancer (27%), and nearly a third (31%) avoid doctor appointments out of dread of what they would find, according to a new survey from The Harris Poll that Bayer commissioned.

In the United States, 609,360 cancer deaths and 1.9 million new cancer cases were expected in 2022. Cancer occurs when a few of the body's cells grow out of control and spread to other bodily regions.

Cancer may develop practically anywhere in the millions of cells that make up the human body.

The need for improved education on disease risks is illustrated by many Americans citing ignorance of important physical health subjects and fear-related factors.

According to the research, 49% of men lack awareness about prostate cancer, and 49% are unaware that a man's race affects his chance of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, 48% were unaware that breast density involves cancer risk or diagnosis, and 38% were not highly informed about breast cancer.

What did the research present?

To identify patient behaviors, obstacles, and medical and preventive gaps that the firm may help close via awareness, education, advocacy, and innovation, Bayer, one of the top life sciences corporations in the U.S., conducted its most recent research.

"The increase of fear and anxiety, heightened by a lack of education and in some cases trust barriers, creates an environment where people may not access basic preventative care to ensure early diagnosis."

- President of Bayer U.S., Sebastian Guth

Guth proceeded by saying that around 27.4 million individuals of all ages (8.3%) lack access to health insurance only worsens this situation. Businesses like Bayer must offer materials that advance health education on the value of knowing disease risks, early illness testing, and preventative healthcare.

Bayer collaborates with patient advocacy organizations to boost trust and educate the public about risk factors and healthcare solutions to close some of these gaps. Bayer has collaborated with groups to help people understand the available resources and their risks for particular diseases as part of this commitment.

Additionally, Bayer has helped the National Kidney Foundation by funding their "Are You the 33%?" campaign. The alliance teaches the facts about chronic kidney disease, like how one in three persons is at risk for developing chronic kidney disease. It promotes communication with medical professionals to aid in improving early detection and intervention with the shared objective of improving health outcomes for those with chronic kidney disease.

To help people develop correctly, have healthier children, and lead better lives, Bayer works to break the cycle of malnutrition. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are a significant public health issue. Self-care is typically the first and final line of defense in terms of healthcare for individuals who don't routinely see their doctor or have access to one.