Talking to your patients

Here are a few talking points you can use when speaking to patients about colorectal cancer screening:

Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer, but it doesn’t have to be.
Screening can prevent the cancer or catch it early when it’s highly treatable.
Most insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of screening with no co-pays or deductibles. Even without insurance, there are low cost, reliable options. Let’s talk about the one that is right for you.
Make and keep your appointment to be screened.
Then, talk about your experience and encourage other people you know to be screened too.

Your Stories

I got screened for colorectal cancer when I was 50 because my doctor recommended it, and several of my friends encouraged me. Then in 2006, my friend Wendy Huntley died of colon cancer. Her friends and husband started Wendy’s Wish to raise money for cancer patients with expenses not covered by insurance. We also want to educate our community about the importance of screening for early detection. Early detection of colon cancer allows for much better outcomes and treatment.

Cindy Pierce-teacher-librarian at Mountain View High School, Bend