1 in 2 American adults admit to avoiding
important health screenings
COLUMBUS, Ga., June 28,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans don't seem to be on a
path to living healthier, longer lives, according to a study
released by Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of
supplemental health insurance in the U.S.1 The Wellness
Matters survey, conducted among 2,001 employed adults in the U.S.,
examines attitudes, habits and opinions about health and preventive
care.
51% of respondents who have had cancer said
their diagnosis came as a result of a routine checkup or
screening.
The nationally representative survey finds that many — 1 in 4 —
simply skip regular checkups because they are feeling healthy.
Other reasons cited include conflicts with work hours (23%); not
thinking about it (22%); dislike of going to the doctor (21%);
insurance issues (21%); fear of hearing bad health news (18%); and
time commitment to go to the doctor (16%).2
According to the survey, about half of adults have avoided at
least one common health screening, including tests for certain
diseases and other exams. At the same time, 51% of respondents who
have had cancer said their diagnosis came as a result of a routine
checkup or screening.2
Men and women do not see eye to eye on their current and future
health.
Survey findings show the majority of men
have a positive outlook regarding all aspects of their current
health, including their ability to control it in the future:
weight/BMI (56% men, 38% women); financial health (53% men, 40%
women); mental health (66% men, 56% women); and physical health
(69% men, 54% women). Hispanic men and women also have differing
outlooks: weight/BMI (64% men, 45% women); financial health (57%
men, 44% women); mental health (71% men, 62% women); and physical
health (77% men, 63% women).2
Generational points of view show wide gap in control over
health.
According to the survey, Gen Z [ages 18-24] feels
the least control over their mental and physical health, yet they
are the most likely to skip annual wellness visits that could
empower them to feel more in control. Baby boomers [ages 57-65]
(64%) and Gen X [ages 41-56] (55%) think preventive care is very
important to their overall health and well-being, versus
millennials [ages 25-40] (49%) and Gen Z (40%).2
Managing health and wellness does not come easy for U.S.
Hispanic population.
Among Hispanic survey respondents, 31%
indicate language is a barrier to accessing preventive care
resources. As a result, 72% have avoided a wellness screening,
compared to 46% who do not feel it is a barrier. Many Hispanic
respondents also agree (61%) that health care providers and
organizations need to better engage and educate the Latino
community about the benefits of being proactive with their health
and wellness.2
Screenings work and lead to better outcomes.
A
significant number (72%) of Hispanic survey respondents diagnosed
with cancer found out at a routine medical exam or regularly
scheduled annual screening, compared to 46% of the general
population.2
An analysis of Aflac internal data reveals its cancer wellness
benefit claims dropped in 2022 compared to 2019 — notably
among younger generations. For every 1,000 Aflac policyholders,
cancer policy wellness claims dropped 11% for those in their 20s
and 9% for those in their 30s.3
"The results of the Wellness Matters survey put a spotlight on
the need for individuals to have a more proactive approach to their
health care," said Tom Morey, chief
actuary, Aflac U.S. "That is why Aflac is encouraging policyholders
and others to take control of their health by building good health
habits early, asking health and insurance providers questions, and
prioritizing routine wellness checkups."
Take wellness matters into your own hands —
sooner rather than later.
According to the survey,
individuals are more likely to schedule checkups and prioritize
wellness screenings as adults if their parents or caregivers
demonstrated good habits, such as scheduling childhood wellness
appointments, early in life. Most individuals are self-motivated to
go to the doctor, most notably Baby boomers (64%), followed by
Gen X (45%), millennials (35%), and Gen Z (29%). Additionally,
encouragement from loved ones and financial incentives can help
motivate individuals to seek preventive care. Many (64%) say they
benefit from friends and family who encourage them to go to the
doctor for routine visits. Most (85%) are more likely to go to a
routine checkup appointment if a cash incentive was offered to help
with the cost.2
Learn more at Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.
ABOUT THE STUDY
The 2023 Wellness Matters
Survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample
of 2,001 employed U.S. adults ages 18-65 in June 2023 by Kantar Profiles on behalf of Aflac.
As part of the Hispanic population report, 200 Spanish-speaking
respondents were added for a total of 580 respondents to ensure a
robust understanding of this population. The additional 200 are not
included in the general population report in order to maintain the
nationally representative sample.
ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated
(NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial
protection and peace of mind for more than 67 years to millions of
policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S.
and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is
the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance
products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is
the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance policies in
force. In 2021, the company became a signatory of the Principles
for Responsible Investment (PRI). In 2022, the company was included
in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the ninth
year, the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 17th
consecutive year, Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for the
22nd time and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth
consecutive year. To find out how to get help with expenses health
insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or
aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac
Incorporated and its commitment to ESG and social responsibility at
investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability."
Media contact: Angie
Blackmar, 706-392-2097 or ABlackmar2@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or
dyoung@aflac.com
1 LIMRA 2021 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total
Market Report.
2 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, 2023.
3 Aflac internal sources.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be
available in all states. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on
plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional
cost. Plans and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to
the exact plans and riders for benefit details, definitions,
limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please
contact your local Aflac agent/producer. For availability and
costs, please visit www.aflac.com.In Arkansas, Policies B70100AR, B70200AR,
B70300AR, B7010EPAR, B7020EPAR. In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE &
B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies
B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In New York, Policies, NY78100–NY78400. In
Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK,
B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. In Oregon, Policies B70100OR, B70200OR, B70300OR,
B7010EPOR, B7020EPOR. In Pennsylvania, Policies B70100PA, B70200PA,
B70300PA. In Texas, Policies
B70100TX, B70200TX, B70300TX, B7010EPTX, B7020EPTX. In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance
Company of Columbus. In
New York, coverage is underwritten
by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac's family of insurers include American Family Life
Assurance Company of Columbus, American Family
Life Assurance Company of New
York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One
Insurance Company.
Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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SOURCE Aflac