You’re likely familiar with FOMO, or the fear of missing out, but you might not know about FOFO: the fear of finding out. This is a frequent reason why many individuals avoid recommended health screenings such as , , STD screenings, blood work, and .

FOFO isn’t a formal medical diagnosis; it’s a casual term familiar to both individuals and doctors. It’s been increasingly recognized in the medical field and media recently. Steven Taylor, a professor and clinical psychologist at the University of British Columbia and co-author of “It’s Not All in Your Head: How Worrying about Your Health Could Be Making You Sick—and What You Can Do About It,” notes that while specific research is limited, clinicians in health anxiety are very aware of it.

One study of 2,000 employed U.S. adults revealed that 60% avoid health screenings, often due to fear of negative results or embarrassment. Evidence suggests this issue is growing; another study showed only 51% had a routine medical appointment or cancer screening in the past year, a 10% decrease from 2024.

Here’s what you should understand about FOFO and how to manage it.

Where does FOFO come from?

Lynn Bufka, a psychologist and head of practice at the American Psychological Association, explains that FOFO often stems from anxiety and a desire to control an uncertain situation. Anxiety often leads to avoidance, where people try to avoid what frightens them.

Taylor states that FOFO is especially prevalent among individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondriasis). However, even those without these conditions can experience FOFO. He adds that it can be an isolated fear, like of a prostate test, or part of a broader coping mechanism, where people avoid screening tests and compulsively consult online sources like Dr. ChatBot or Dr. Google.

For some, FOFO may arise from negative past experiences in healthcare or from , a common fear of doctors or medical care. Others may fear test results that could cause shame about having a condition (like an STD) or anxiety about unwanted treatments. Bufka explains that the underlying thought is, “If I don’t get the test, the problem doesn’t exist.”

Waiting for results can also worsen FOFO. Jonathan Abramowitz, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, notes that waiting weeks for results is extremely anxiety-inducing.

How to overcome FOFO

The first step is weighing the advantages and disadvantages of getting a screening test versus avoiding it. Abramowitz suggests that the benefits, such as identifying and treating a medical condition, typically outweigh the drawbacks, such as increased anxiety about a positive result. However, he notes that people often prioritize short-term comfort, which may explain why so many postpone screenings.

If you identify with that, consider what’s driving your avoidance. Abramowitz suggests that if you’re worried about the implications of positive results, you may be underestimating your ability to cope.

Bufka also advises considering whether you want fear to dictate your decisions. She suggests asking yourself what would happen if you continue to avoid the test, whether the risk is worth it, and how you’ll feel about the issue in a year. Facing the fear helps align choices with your values.

Taylor recommends discussing your concerns with your doctor if you feel trapped in FOFO. Share your fears and work together to create a plan for getting the test and managing the waiting period. Abramowitz adds that cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful if FOFO is part of a broader anxiety pattern.

Abramowitz suggests scheduling multiple tests together for efficiency. Bringing a supportive person or rewarding yourself afterward can also help.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that getting recommended medical tests, cancer screenings, and routine check-ups is part of self-care.

Abramowitz emphasizes that getting the test is beneficial, either by providing reassurance or identifying what you’re dealing with. He concludes that the anticipation is often worse than the actual outcome.