As autumn arrives, discussions surrounding cancer gain prominence in national dialogues. The interval between summer's end and winter's onset is marked by various awareness initiatives, inspiring survivor narratives, and crucial reminders to prioritize health check-ups. This year, these conversations are intermingling with a noteworthy trend: a growing number of Americans are seeking health information through artificial intelligence (AI).
A recent survey revealed that 76% of Gen Z adults and 63% of millennials are now relying on AI as their primary resource for healthcare inquiries, often before consulting a physician.
With just a few clicks, individuals can quickly search for symptoms, decipher medical jargon, and gain insights into potential health risks. When used judiciously, AI can serve as a valuable resource; however, simply obtaining information does not equate to knowing the appropriate next steps, particularly when it comes to cancer. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are essential for accurately detecting serious health issues, especially when symptoms may not seem relevant at first glance. This underscores the idea that while AI can assist, it should not lead our healthcare decisions.
In my experience as the president of a Fortune 500 company, I have learned that transforming ideas into actionable decisions requires careful guidance, as aimless actions can quickly lead to stagnation. Therefore, having a well-defined strategy is crucial to creating an effective healthcare plan.
Unfortunately, in the realm of personal health management, we continue to miss the mark.
Despite many years of awareness initiatives, nearly two-thirds of Americans still postpone essential health screenings. This reluctance is not due to ignorance about the importance of screenings; rather, life often gets in the way. Additionally, many individuals harbor fears about what they might discover or convince themselves that feeling well is enough to forgo check-ups.
Here, technology can play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges. AI can help clarify various screening options or prompt individuals to prepare important questions for their medical appointments. However, the capabilities of AI have limitations.
AI cannot physically accompany you to an appointment if you're hesitant about going. It’s incapable of performing necessary procedures like mammograms and colonoscopies, nor can it analyze your entire health history to identify new potential conditions. Importantly, it cannot replace the reassuring voice of a loved one asking, “Have you gotten that checked?”
Supporting this idea, research on cancer screening behaviors indicates that many people view encouraging family members or friends to undergo screenings as an expression of love, which in turn influences their own health behaviors. This illustrates that the most effective health interventions often come from those who care about us, rather than through mere technological interfaces.
Like many families, my own has been affected by cancer. I have witnessed friends and loved ones face diagnoses, treatments, and the accompanying uncertainties. Such experiences fuel my commitment to encourage others to transition from uncertainty to action.
This principle also aligns with Aflac's mission: we support families who face challenges when screenings are overlooked or diagnoses are delayed, stepping in when health insurance falls short. Our perspective on the AI dialogue is rooted in real-world implications reflected in our claims data.
You can embody this principle by taking charge of your health. For that reason, AI should serve as a support tool rather than the primary guide in our healthcare journeys.
Virgil Miller holds the position of president at Aflac Incorporated and Aflac U.S., recognized as a leading provider of cancer insurance in both the United States and Japan.
The viewpoints expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Fortune.
