Aflac turns checkered pattern into a powerful reminder to "Check for Cancer"

Rhea-AI Summary

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) has launched the "Check for Cancer" national movement in collaboration with sports broadcaster and cancer survivor Erin Andrews. The campaign aims to increase U.S. cancer screening rates by 10% over the next decade by transforming the common checkered pattern into a visual reminder for cancer screenings.

The initiative responds to alarming statistics showing that one in three Americans risk facing cancer, while 90% have delayed recommended screenings. The campaign includes national advertising, with a video debuting during the Aflac Kickoff Game on ESPN, along with billboards, event sponsorships, and digital platforms. For each social media post using #CheckForCancer, Aflac will donate $5 to childhood cancer research, up to $1 million.

Positive

• Launch of nationwide cancer screening awareness campaign targeting 10% increase in screening rates
• Partnership with high-profile cancer survivor Erin Andrews enhances campaign visibility
• Commitment to donate up to $1 million for childhood cancer research through social media campaign
• Multi-channel marketing approach including ESPN, digital platforms, and community activations

Negative

• 90% of Americans currently delay recommended cancer screenings
• One in three Americans face cancer risk, indicating significant health challenge

Newly launched campaign teams up with sports broadcaster, fashion entrepreneur and cancer survivor Erin Andrews to urge Americans to prioritize early detection 

COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, a leading provider of cancer insurance for nearly 70 years, working with sports broadcaster, fashion entrepreneur and cancer survivor Erin Andrews, today launched Check for Cancer, a national movement aimed at boosting U.S. cancer screening rates by 10% over the next decade. 

The Check for Cancer movement reframes the familiar checkered pattern seen in everyday life as a bold, visual cue to make cancer screenings part of routine care. One in three Americans¹ are at risk of facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and a vast majority (90%) admit they've delayed a checkup or recommended screening that could aid in early detection, according to Aflac's annual Wellness Matters Survey.² This movement seeks to turn awareness into action and make prevention both a personal and national priority. 

"We are pleased to be working with Erin Andrews, whose personal experiences provide a powerful opportunity to highlight a critical issue: Too many Americans delay screenings, often due to fear, uncertainty or simply not knowing where to start. This leads to health care challenges that could have been mitigated or even avoided," Aflac Incorporated President Virgil Miller said. "Check for Cancer is about changing that. It's about turning an everyday visual into a reminder that early detection can save your life or the life of someone you love. Getting screened shouldn't feel overwhelming, it should be routine and feel woven into the fabric of everyday life just like the checkered patterns we see every day." 

Aflac's Check for Cancer movement is designed to reach national audiences through an omnichannel approach, meeting people where they are, including a new video urging Americans to Check for Cancer that ran nationally on ESPN during the Aflac Kickoff Game on Aug. 31 and will continue to run on social media. Echoing Aflac's commitment to health and wellness, the video also includes several actual Aflac employees, serving as actors and extras, who were excited to share the Check for Cancer movement.

The campaign will use a mix of billboards, event sponsorships, digital platforms and grassroots community activations in key markets to emphasize the message. With a special focus on engaging younger generations, the campaign uses social-first storytelling and interactive tools to drive action around the early detection of cancer, which can impact anyone at any age, and to increase access to lifesaving cancer screenings. 

"As someone who shares valuable information on the playing field, I know how important it is to get the facts right. I've seen firsthand how early detection can change outcomes and save lives," said Andrews. "Check for Cancer is a message that hits home, because when it comes to cancer, skipping checkups can make the difference in your health."

At Aflac.com/CheckForCancer, individuals can access screening guidelines, assess their personal risk and take the first step toward early detection. To further amplify the message, Aflac is launching a social media challenge: For every in-feed social media post using #CheckForCancer, the company will donate $5 to childhood cancer research and care, up to $1 million. 

"Aflac has been a pioneer in the cancer insurance industry, protecting millions of Americans from the financial burdens often created when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. But our goal, whether through our philanthropy or our support for the health and wellness of our customers, our employees and our communities, has always been to provide holistic solutions that limit the physical, mental and financial impact of cancer. Check for Cancer is an extension of that commitment," Miller said.

To learn more, visit Aflac.com/CheckForCancer. 

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.³ In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years (2025) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 24 years (2025). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability." 

¹ American Cancer Society, Lifetime Risk of Developing or Dying From Cancer 
² Aflac 2025 Wellness Matters Survey
³ LIMRA 2024 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

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SOURCE Aflac

FAQ

What is Aflac's Check for Cancer campaign 2025?

Aflac's Check for Cancer is a national movement launched with Erin Andrews aimed at increasing U.S. cancer screening rates by 10% over the next decade by using checkered patterns as visual reminders for cancer screenings.

How much will Aflac (NYSE:AFL) donate for each #CheckForCancer social media post?

Aflac will donate $5 for each in-feed social media post using #CheckForCancer, up to a total of $1 million for childhood cancer research and care.

Who is partnering with Aflac for the Check for Cancer campaign 2025?

Erin Andrews, a sports broadcaster, fashion entrepreneur, and cancer survivor, is partnering with Aflac to lead the Check for Cancer campaign.

What percentage of Americans delay cancer screenings according to Aflac's Wellness Survey?

According to Aflac's Wellness Matters Survey, 90% of Americans admit to delaying checkups or recommended cancer screenings that could aid in early detection.

Where can people access Aflac's cancer screening guidelines and risk assessment?

People can access screening guidelines and assess their personal cancer risk at Aflac.com/CheckForCancer.