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Originally published in The Tennessean, March 2026

Through my experiences in pediatrics and in public health, I’ve had countless conversations with my fellow Tennesseans. It’s always clear that we’re more alike than different. We all want to stay healthy, get care when needed, and be confident that we can afford that care. On paper, that may sound simple. In real life, it’s shaped every day by the challenges people face across our state. 

That’s one reason we publish the Healthy Tennessee Report each year

No single report can tell the full story of health. Our report, built on claims data, contributes a unique perspective to Tennessee’s public health picture. When we look at patterns across large groups of people, we can see where things may be improving and where more attention is needed. 

This is our third year publishing the report. With this update, we’re seeing signs of progress in several areas.

These include blood pressure control, blood sugar management, prenatal care, cancer screenings, and childhood immunizations. Even with that progress, the data shows many Tennesseans are still missing recommended screenings.  

For example, around 75% of eligible members got a mammogram as recommended in 2024. That’s too low, and it means some people don’t start treatment when they need to.   

Those gaps matter because of what often follows next

A diagnosis can bring fear, uncertainty, and emotional strain that can make it harder to schedule appointments, follow through on care, or ask the right questions. When behavioral health needs go unaddressed, cancer care itself can be delayed or disrupted.

Cancer is affecting families in every corner of the state. It’s also one of the most emotionally complex conditions to navigate. Yet many people don’t use behavioral health support during a cancer diagnosis, even when those services are available. Some feel pressure to stay strong for loved ones. Others assume stress or anxiety is simply part of the process. Without support, those feelings can make it harder to move forward with treatment. 

When claims data shows one of our members has a new diagnosis, a member of our BlueCross care team reaches out to support on next steps.

They may also screen for behavioral health needs, and if support could help, they connect members to counseling or other services, including telehealth options. Emotional support can help people feel more prepared to engage in care and move forward.

This year’s Healthy Tennessee Report also helps explain why experiences with cancer and other serious conditions can vary so widely across the state.  

It includes new information about how location and social risk factors connect to health outcomes. For example: 

• Middle Tennessee members may experience housing‑related risk at roughly 1.5 times the statewide average. 
• West Tennessee members appear more than 2.5 times as likely to face debt‑related challenges. 
• East Tennessee members may face about 1.5 times the food‑insecurity risk compared to those in West and Middle Tennessee. 

These pressures can make it challenging to engage and comply with care, ultimately affecting outcomes. 

This may also help explain why two people with similar coverage can have very different experiences, including when facing a serious issue like cancer. 

Insights like these create opportunities to better support people where they are – through preventive screenings, clear information about benefits, and easier access to supportive care and behavioral health resources. 

At BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, we use data to inform decisions, understand trends, and collaborate across the state to support better health. The Healthy Tennessee Report is one way we share those insights and invite continued partnership. 

Behind every data point is a person – someone getting their first screening, facing a diagnosis or managing stress as they move forward. When we listen to what the data is telling us and respond with care and intention, we can keep moving toward a healthier Tennessee together.