Lack of Regular Doctor Linked to Colon Cancer Screening Gaps

New research shows that lacking a consistent healthcare provider significantly increases the risk of being overdue for screenings.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a single clinical examination chair in a quiet room, representing gaps in primary healthcare access. — A JAMA Network Open study highlights that adults without a consistent healthcare provider face significantly higher risks of missing essential colorectal cancer screenings. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel confident navigating health screenings like cancer checks without having a regular doctor?

A study published in JAMA Network Open finds that 34.5% of U.S. adults ages 45 to 75 are not up to date on recommended colorectal cancer screenings. The research indicates that lacking a usual source of care correlates with a 61% higher risk of being behind on these vital health checks.

Why it matters

Regular screenings are essential for early detection, yet systemic barriers like lack of insurance and access to consistent primary care providers continue to create significant gaps in preventative health adherence. Understanding these disparities helps highlight which populations are most vulnerable to falling behind on life-saving medical guidelines.

Researchers analyzed 2023 National Health Interview Survey data from 12,016 adults to estimate screening rates. The study found that 71.6% of U.S.-born adults without a usual source of care were overdue, compared to 30.6% of those with consistent care.

The players

JAMA Network Open

This is an open-access medical journal published by the American Medical Association that covers all aspects of biomedical research and the health sciences.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

This is an independent panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine that provides evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services.

The details

The analysis indicates that uninsured adults face a 47% higher risk of being overdue for screenings, while immigrants living in the U.S. for less than 15 years have a 25% higher risk than U.S.-born counterparts. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines currently recommend that all adults between the ages of 45 and 75 undergo regular colorectal cancer screening.

2023: Data was collected for the National Health Interview Survey.
October 19, 2026: The research letter was published in JAMA Network Open.

The Big Picture

This research provides a critical performance update on how the American public is meeting the established benchmarks set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force colorectal cancer screening recommendations.

Patients who do not have a regular primary care doctor should seek out community health centers or clinics to establish consistent preventative care. Maintaining an updated screening schedule is vital, as early detection for colorectal cancer can significantly improve long-term treatment outcomes.

The takeaway

Bridging the gap in primary care access is essential to ensuring that individuals can receive timely, life-saving cancer screenings. Proactively scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider remains the most effective way to stay aligned with current preventative health guidelines.