Colorectal Cancer Awareness Toolkit
Background
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) aims to achieve an 80% colorectal cancer screening rate or higher in every community. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the incidence trends of colorectal cancer are shifting towards a younger population, with 1 in 5 cases in 2019 occurring in individuals aged 54 or younger. To combat this, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 45, highlighting the vital importance of preventative healthcare.
The Colorectal Cancer Awareness Toolkit was crafted by the Southwest Virginia Cancer Advisory Board in collaboration with the Emory & Henry Mass Communications Department and highlights SWVA representatives. The toolkit is tailored for rural communities and equips you with downloadable social media content, public service announcements, media pitches, and feature stories.
Goals
- Reach target audience (SWVA community members, ages 45-75)
- Grow awareness through the promotion of screening options,
- decreasing the fear of screenings, and
- educating the community on screening guidelines
Guidelines and Ideas for Use
- Materials are free to use
- Editable templates: Add your logo and branding.
- Post social media images & messages on Facebook
- Contact local radio stations to run an audio PSA
- Run feature stories in your newsletter
Media
| Social Media | Messaging | Image | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| During one of her regularly scheduled checkups, Betsy Grossman, health advocate and cancer survivor, decided to have both a colonoscopy and a FIT. She can now live comfortably knowing that she is colorectal cancer-free. Join Betsy and others in the fight against colorectal cancer. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to learn about what screening options are available. #ColorectalCancerAwareness #TalkToYourDoctor #ScreenAt45 |  | Colorectal Cancer Campaign_BG_ Template | |
| Take charge and get screened for colorectal cancer! Yvonne Edwards, Scott County School Nurse wants you to take care of yourself! Talk to your healthcare provider today about which test is right for you. #ColorectalCancerAwareness #TalkToYourDoctor #ScreenAt45 |  | Colorectal Cancer Campaign_YE_ Template | |
| Don't let fear keep you from completing your colorectal cancer screening! Dr. Jewell Worley found the screening process painless and easy. Talk to your healthcare provider today about which test is right for you. #ColorectalCancerAwareness #TalkToYourDoctor #ScreenAt45 |  | Colorectal Cancer Campaign_JW_ Template | |
| Screening is simple and easy! Brian McKnight, history professor at UVA-Wise wants you to join him in the fight against colorectal cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider today about which test is right for you. #ColorectalCancerAwareness #TalkToYourDoctor #ScreenAt45 |  | Colorectal Cancer Campaign_BM_ Template | |
| Screening is easy and saves lives! Judy Willis, wants you to join her in the fight against colorectal cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider today about which test is right for you. #ColorectalCancerAwareness #TalkToYourDoctor #ScreenAt45 |  | Colorectal Cancer Campaign_JW Template |
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| PSA media pitch | Prevention of Colorectal Cancer with Early Screenings |
| Sample media pitch announcing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Begins in March |
| Title | Listen & Download | Transcripts |
|---|---|---|
| Community Voice Story | Community Voice Story | Colorectal Cancer affects everyone. Take a listen to Bryan’ story. My experience with this comes through the experience of my wife, who was diagnosed with colon cancer just before Christmas 2019. Bryan lost his wife to colon cancer, a preventable and treatable cancer when caught early. Stay healthy and make an appointment to get tested for colon cancer today. Colon cancer can exist with no symptoms. So call healthcare provider and get tested today. |
| Colorectal Cancer Screening Isn't Scary | CRC Doesn't Need to be Scary | The topic and idea of cancer can be overwhelming and scary to many, but it doesn’t have to be. Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the US. For adults ranging for the ages of 45 to 75 colorectal cancer can be an even bigger risk so catching it early can give you the upper hand. Doctors know this process can be scary so that’s why you should ask your healthcare provider today about colorectal cancer and the steps that are necessary for getting tested early. |
| Don't Miss Your Chance | Don't Miss Your Chance to Screen for CRC | Do you ever wish you could do something when you have the chance not everything is worth passing up like getting screened for colorectal cancer. Know your options for colorectal cancer screening today, especially if you have a family history with cancer. There are many options that are designed to help you talk to your health care provider today or visit cdc.gov to get started take charge of your health today. The future you might just thank you. |
| Father-Son Conversation | Father Son Conversation | . Hey, man, what are you up to? Just got home from my colorectal cancer screening. Wait are you OK? No, it's nothing bad. Screening after the age of 45 helps ensures I can catch the problem before it gets serious. Does the screening hurt? No son there are multiple methods of screening, but every single one is painless. You know, since it doesn't hurt I'm gonna get screened when I turn 45 too. |
| Talk to Your Healthcare Provider | Talk to your healthcare provider | Are you 45 years of age or older if so it's time to get a colorectal cancer screening. There are many affordable and easy test options available. Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is best for you based on your preferences, medical conditions, and local resources. Colorectal cancer can exist without symptoms, so an early screening can help you to live a long and healthy life. lkk to your healthcare provider |
| The Colon Isn't Embarrassing | The Colon Isn't Embarrassing | Many people skip colorectal Cancer screening out of embarrassment, but why the colon should be an embarrassing body part. Your feet cause you to fall in front of everyone in the office. Your stomach makes those weird noises. Your fingers type those texts you regret. That's embarrassing. Your colon naturally helps you digest food and keeps you healthy, that isn't so embarrassing. Don't risk your life because you are embarrassed about screening, especially if you are forty five years or older, Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened for colorectal cancer today. |
| Title | Link |
|---|---|
| Health Advocate Encourages CRC Screening | Health Advocate Encourages CRC Screening Template |
| Nothing is Worse than Not Knowing | Nothing is Worse Than Not Knowing |
| Yvonne Edwards Encourages Others to Set Pride Aside and Get Screened | Yvonne Edwards Encourages Others to Set Pride Aside and Get Screened Template |
| Living Without Fear of Colorectal Cancer | Living Without Fear of Colorectal Cancer Template |
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