Gen Z Isn’t the Problem. The Healthcare System Is.

[ICYMI] The Prevent Cancer Foundation dropped data that makes it official: Gen Z might be online 24/7, but they’re AWOL on basic cancer prevention. HPV vaccines? Screenings? Not on their radar. Nearly half of 18–24-year-olds don’t think any cancer screenings apply to them.

This should light your hair on fire.

I launched Stupid Cancer back when TikTok was a Ke$ha song and getting cancer in your 20s was treated like a clerical error. The system still doesn’t talk to young people like they matter—because to it, they don’t. We’re asking digital natives to play analog games in a healthcare system that doesn't even speak their language. They’re not ignoring health—they’ve been excluded from the conversation.

And let’s be real: Gen Z isn’t “apathetic.” They’re distrustful—and with good reason. We gave them a healthcare experience that’s confusing, condescending, and wrapped in pink ribbons instead of straight answers. They grew up watching their parents battle billing departments, not just disease.

So yeah, maybe they’re not jumping at the chance to get screened. Can you blame them?

The takeaway? Stop blaming them. Start meeting them where they are—on their screens, in their feeds, and in the voices they trust. Podcasts, creators, memes, mess—whatever it takes.

If this hit home, toss it a like, repost, comment, or tag someone you may be ambivalent about. One click makes a bigger difference than you think.

PCF ARTICLE ➡️ https://preventcancer.org/news/gen-z-plugged-in-but-not-to-their-health/