New colorectal cancer screening campaign
Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System and the Oregon Health Authority are partnering to encourage local residents over age 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer.
The Cancer You Can Prevent campaign takes a unique approach to a colorectal cancer screening by asking already screened Central Oregonians to talk about their experience and encourage others to get screened too.
“If you’ve been screened, you can play a significant role in saving the lives of people you care about by talking about your experience and urging others to get screened,” said Deschutes County Healthy Communities Coordinator Therese Madrigal.
Five Deschutes County residents have agreed to be campaign spokespeople, willing to share their experiences to encourage and support others getting screened too. Carson Meyer of Sisters, Corinne Martinez of La Pine; Cornelius “Mac” McCormick, Cindy Pierce, and Jeff Johnson of Bend, are all valued champions giving local inspiration to the campaign. See their stories at www.thecanceryoucanprevent.org.
Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer but it doesn’t have to be. Early detection can prevent or catch it early when it’s most treatable. Everyone over age 50 (45 for African Americans) should be screened for colorectal cancer, even if they have no family history or symptoms and most insurance plans cover 100 percent of screening costs with no co-pays or deductibles.
To learn more about early detection, resources, and prevention measures, go to www.TheCancerYouCanPrevent.org or visit one of St. Charles Health System campuses anytime between 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the following dates for information on why, when, how and where to get screened for colorectal cancer.
St. Charles Bend, Monday, March 10
St. Charles Redmond, Monday, March 17
St. Charles Madras, Monday, March 24
St. Charles Prineville, Wednesday, March 26
For more information, please contact St. Charles Colorectal Screening Coordinator, Jessica Keegan at jmkeegan@stcharleshealthcare.org.
