September 30, 2026 — The American Cancer Society (ACS) is expanding its efforts to improve access to cancer screening and early detection in Southeast Florida through an exclusive partnership with Baptist Health. This effort focuses on breaking down barriers to screening, raising awareness about prevention, and helping more people access recommended cancer screening tests.
“This collaboration allows ACS to expand availability of lifesaving screening and education across Southeast Florida,” said Joan Gonzalez, vice president, Development, American Cancer Society. “Together with Baptist Health, we can reach more people with the information, guidance and tools they need to help prevent cancer or detect it early, when treatment is likely to be more effective.”
Through this initiative, Baptist Health plays an important role in the American Cancer Society’s efforts to promote cancer screening and connect individuals with lifesaving resources. As part of the “I Love You Get Screened™” campaign, community members can access education, tools and opportunities to engage with ACS programs and learn about cancer screening, patient resources and local care options.
Data from the American Cancer Society shows that Florida falls behind the national average in some key cancer screening rates. Only 73% of Florida women aged 25 to 65 are up to date with cervical cancer screening, compared to 75% nationally. Colorectal cancer screening rates are also lower, with 66% of eligible Floridians aged 45 and up being current with screening compared to 69% nationwide. These gaps highlight the importance of ACS’s work to increase awareness and education, connect people to convenient screening services, and reduce disparities in access to preventive care.
“Prevention and early detection are among the most effective tools we have to reduce the burden of cancer and save lives,” said Nancy Batista-Rodriguez, chief executive officer, Baptist Outpatient Services, Baptist Health. “That’s why Baptist Health is committed to
making preventive care easier to access and empowering people to take charge of their health. Earlier detection can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes, helping build healthier communities across South Florida.”
Baptist Health, the largest health system in South Florida, continues to expand efforts to improve preventive care and increase cancer screening rates across the region, including through the establishment of the Dr. Herbert Wertheim Center for Cancer Prevention at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute. Additionally, earlier this year, Baptist Health eliminated the requirement for a physician referral for screening mammograms, making it even easier for eligible women to access this important preventive service.
Programs like the “I Love You Get Screened™” campaign and local partnerships reflect the American Cancer Society’s commitment to reduce cancer disparities, promote early detection and improve cancer outcomes for all. By combining national campaigns with local outreach, ACS is working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
To learn more about ACS screening tools, visit www.cancer.org/getscreened. To find a Baptist Health diagnostic imaging location near you, visit BaptistHealth.net/Imaging.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, ACS has been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. ACS is committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call the 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with ACS on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 30,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health Pineapple, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
