Fast Facts Vol. 41, No. 2

Survey Finds Increasing Rates of Sun Damage

Among more than 1000 US adults surveyed in 2025:

96% believed sun protection is important
67% reported getting tanned or developing darker skin in 2024 (up from 54% in a 2020 survey)
35% were sunburned—up 25% in a 2020 survey.

Source: Sun Exposure Taking a Toll: New AAD Survey Shows Sharp Increase in Sun Damage Across the US. American Academy of Dermatology Association. April 29, 2025.

Key Findings from a Recent Survey of Oncologists

• Despite advances in cancer care, 76% of oncologists report seeing more patients with advanced-stage cancers.
• 75% of oncologists attribute this increase to screening barriers
• 87% of oncologists cite anxiety and worry as the most challenging aspects of cancer for their patients
• 92% of oncologists are concerned that patients who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized are not able to get access to quality cancer care.

Source: The Cancer Paradox: Oncologists’ Perspectives on Barriers to Advanced Cancer Care and Recurrence Monitoring. Quest Diagnostics. May 13, 2025.

Growing Divide Between Doctors and Patients on AI in Health Care

• 63% of surveyed health care professionals believe AI can help improve outcomes
• Only 48% of patients share that optimism
• Patients say information from their doctor ( 79% ) or nurse
  ( 72% ) would make them feel more comfortable about AI use
  in healthcare
• 85% of healthcare professionals are concerned or unsure about legal liability for AI usage.

Source: Future Health Index 2025. Building Trust in Healthcare AI: Perspectives From Patients and Professionals. Philips. May 23, 2025.

Top 5 State Policy Concerns Among Medical Societies in 2026
1. Scope of practice
2. Medicaid legislation
3. Physician workforce
4. Medical licensure and telehealth
5. Public health and vaccination policy

Source. Medicine’s 2026 State Policy Priorities. AMA. January 9, 2026.

Patients Report Unnecessary Insurance “Red Tape” Due to Prior Authorization
A national survey of 1201 adults with cancer conducted by CancerCare revealed significant administrative barriers that delay diagnosis and treatment:

• 85% of respondents faced prior authorization for cancer treatments, including 76% in the past year, often multiple times.
• 29% reported delays in diagnosis; 40% reported delays in treatment due to prior authorizations.
• Among those who dealt directly with prior authorization, 51% lost up to 1 business day, 27% lost 2-3 business days, and 12% lost a full business week or more dealing with a single authorization.
• 36% reported worsened stress, 34% reported worsened finances, and 29% reported reduced trust in the health care system as a direct result of insurance problems.

Source. The Health Insurance Maze: How Cancer Patients Get Lost in the Red Tape of Utilization Management. CancerCare. June 10, 2025.

More Online @ accc-cancer.org

AI in Cancer Care Delivery and Operations

To better understand use and perceptions of AI in cancer care delivery and operations, ACCC surveyed 168 volunteers from 102 unique cancer centers, highlighting early adoption trends, barriers, and support needs in this infographic.

3 Surprising Truths About Leading Through Change: Strategies for Oncology Leaders to Thrive in the AI Era

In this blog, keynote speaker at the inaugural 2026 ACCC Leadership Summit Michelle Rozen, PhD, shares her insights about navigating AI-driven change as a health care leader.

Addressing Psychosocial Distress With Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies

These therapies are gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional mental health interventions, providing relief for some patients with cancer as they navigate the emotional toll of the disease. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ sheds light on the human side of psychedelic-assisted therapy in speaking with patient Judy Wight.

Expanding CAR T Access Through Shared Care: A Guide for Referring Programs and Treatment Centers

While chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy care delivery models differ in structure and processes, all rely on shared care responsibilities, open communication, and clearly defined workflows to deliver safe and effective treatment. This guide offers insight into improving coordination between referring programs and CAR T-Cell centers.

CLL Treatment Strategies, Sequencing, and Care Optimization

This 3-part video series provides an overview of novel therapeutic approaches for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), therapy selection and sequencing, adverse event management, and strategies for changing therapies.