The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) National Cancer Opinion Survey was established in collaboration with The Harris Poll to track the U.S. public’s views on cancer research and care. As the world’s leading organization of oncology care professionals, ASCO believes it is critical to understand what the public, including patients, think of, expect, and need from the nation’s cancer care system. The poll, supported by Conquer Cancer, The ASCO Foundation, is designed to measure shifts in the public’s perceptions of a range of cancer-related issues over time.

Findings released in October 2020 from the fourth National Cancer Opinion Survey reveal:

  • Among Americans scheduled for a cancer screening test such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, skin check, and PAP/HPV test during the COVID-19 pandemic (37% of adults surveyed), 64% report that it was delayed or canceled.
  • Six in 10 Americans (59%) say racism can impact the care a person receives within the U.S. health care system, with differences in opinion along racial lines.
  • Six in 10 (58%) people with active cancer say they have had to make a lot of sacrifices in their daily lives because of a heightened risk of COVID-19, with Black patients (61%) more likely than White patients (47%) to report they have made significant sacrifices.

The latest survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll from July 21 – September 8, 2020, among 4,012 US adults aged 18 and over and an oversample of 980 adults 18+ with cancer for a total sample of 1,142 adults with cancer.

2020 National Cancer Opinion Survey

  • News Release: National Survey Reveals Racial Differences in Perceptions of Inequities in Health Care and Concerning Delays in Cancer Screenings Amid COVID-19
  • Survey Results on COVID-19 and Cancer, Equities in Cancer Care, and Clinical Trial Myths
  • Full Survey Results

2019 National Cancer Opinion Survey

  • News Release: National ASCO Survey Finds Major Gaps in Americans’ Knowledge of Cancer Prevention, E-Cigarettes, and End-of-Life Care
  • News Release: National Survey Reveals One in Five Young Adults Regularly Uses E-Cigarettes and Believes They are Harmless, Not Addictive
  • Survey Results

2018 National Cancer Opinion Survey

2017 National Cancer Opinion Survey

To reference the National Cancer Opinion Survey results, please use the appropriate following citations:

  • National Cancer Opinion Survey, Harris Poll on behalf of the American Society of Clinical Society, 2020.
  • National Cancer Opinion Survey, Harris Poll on behalf of ASCO, 2019.
  • National Cancer Opinion Survey, Harris Poll on behalf of ASCO, 2018.
  • National Cancer Opinion Survey, Harris Poll on behalf of ASCO, 2017.