Don’t Wait: Advocate

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When was the last time you saw your doctor — last month, last year, last decade?

Wellness checkups are excellent tools for staying on top of your health — especially routine screenings that can help detect certain diseases, like cancer, early and before they’ve had a chance to spread. Yet, 3 in 5 Americans report having avoided common recommended health screenings, according to the 2024 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey.¹ Respondents who have received a cancer diagnosis were more likely to have avoided common health screenings than those who have not, underscoring the importance of regular screenings. Among those diagnosed with cancer, 56% say they found out as the result of a regularly scheduled cancer screening or routine exam.

We asked Aflac employees for their thoughts on preventive wellness routines, and several shared stories about how regular wellness appointments and advocating for their health helped them identify and treat conditions early.

“I went in for my wellness dermatology exam which led to the discovery of a small melanoma on my face. Thankfully they could quickly perform the Mohs surgery to remove it. I always advocate for wellness exams at the dermatologist as well as your family physician!”

– Kenna Cameron, Sales representative

Dean Holmes, union market executive, heeded the advice of his long-time physician to make lifestyle changes that “created a new lease on life.” Watch Dean’s video above to hear more. 

“When I was in my mid-20s, I went in for my annual exam. My PCP noticed a mole on my abdomen that looked ‘funny,’ and she removed it. Honestly, it looked fine to me. A few days later she called me to come in and told me it was a melanoma. Luckily, we caught it very early, and a larger excision was all that was needed to get rid of it completely. It’s been over 20 years since then and I haven’t had any complications or other melanomas. The whole experience taught me a lot, especially the importance of sunscreen. I wear it every day and everywhere. I can’t imagine what my life would be like now if I didn’t get it removed.”

– Stacey Warren, Salesforce architect, Information Technology 

Jon Sullivan, director, Corporate Communications, went in for his regular screening and, fortunately, found a growth that if left undiscovered could have been problematic. Watch Jon’s video above to hear his story.

“I put off routine skin cancer screening longer than I should have, and it resulted in several ‘spots’ found that required freezing, burning/scraping, and surgical removal. I went in for two spots on my back only to find I had six other areas that needed attention. Having a spot frozen off isn’t too painful, however the burn and scrape leaves an open wound to be treated very carefully for about a week and was painful. Having a 2-inch scar from being cut open and cancer removed wasn’t a walk in the park either. I wish that everyone thought about skin cancer screenings more frequently after spending years in the sun. I’m a good steward of sunblock but wasn’t always — now I do not go out in the sun without it! I’m very glad I finally went when I did, but knowing more about the necessity to check earlier and start preventing sooner in life could have prevented my treatment and could save a lot of people from having this experience.”

– Nicki Bartley, manager, Data Governance

Ashley Dusenbury, senior manager, Corporate Communications, saw her doctor for a full body skin cancer screening and, luckily, caught basal cell skin cancer early. Watch the video above to hear Ashley’s story.

Life moves quickly, but preventive care matters. Take charge of your health, make your wellness appointments and encourage those you care for to do the same.

To learn more about the 2024 Wellness Matters survey and to find tips on how to take charge of your own health and encourage others to prioritize theirs, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.

¹ 2024 Wellness Matters survey

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.

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