Sharing Our Stories. for a Better Health

Transcription

1 Sharing Our Stories for a Better Health

2

3 STARRING PATRICIA PILAR SEBASTIA N CHIQUI PAKITA CLAUDIA Dr. NELLY 1

4 A group of neighborhood friends get together for coffee and small talk Pilar, this is the commercial I was telling you about Everyone shifts their attention to the TV. 2

5 If you are 50 years or older, getting a colorectal cancer screening could save your life Dr. Nelly Prince George s County Health Department No, no, no. I don t have any symptoms. Patricia, isn t it about time you got a colonoscopy? You re already 56 years old! 3

6 I m only 45 and I had polyps. I had a colonoscopy done early because one of my aunts died of colon cancer. Even if you don t have symptoms it s important to get a colonoscopy. I told Patricia that I wanted to get a colonoscopy because I have some symptoms. I m just worried about Sebastian. He gets so uncomfortable talking about those things 4

7 At that moment, Sebastian, Pilar s husband arrives from work. Hello ladies. What are you chatting about? We re talking about getting a colonoscopy, that exam where they go up your rectum to look for cancer. Don t talk to me about that! 5

8 I told you it s useless talking to him about it. It s not that, it s just embarrassing for him! Tell him that you won t need papers and the exam is free. Talk to him anyways! It s for your own good. While Pilar goes to talk to Sebastian, Chiqui takes the initiative to set up an appointment for Pilar and Patricia to learn more about colorectal cancer screening. Hello, I would like to make two appointments for my friends Pilar and Patricia to talk to Dr. Nelly 6

9 I ve always been hesitant to talk to you about getting a colonoscopy but we re at that age and I ve been having some symptoms. I don t want to think about a doctor doing that test to you. If you really want to go I can t stop you, but don t drag me into it! I will go but you should think about it too. You re already 55 and you never take care of yourself all you care about is work. If not for you, then do it for your family Think about what Jorge is going through.. 7

10 Sebastian can t stop thinking about what Pilar said about his friend Jorge, who was recently diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. Maybe Pilar is right Jorge is only getting worse and he has a family to take care of. I don t know how I could ever leave Pilar without a husband and my kids without a father 8

11 The following week, Sebastian decides to accompany Pilar and Patricia to their screening appointment at the health department. Now that we have the paperwork in order I guess all that s left is to wait for an appointment. 9

12 A few months later, Pilar, Patricia and Sebastian get together with their friends to share their experiences Pilar, how did your appointment go? It went well. The doctor said that everything looks fine and that I should have another colonoscopy in 5 years. 10

13 Great! How about you, Sebastian? Did you also have colonoscopy? Yes and they unfortunately found signs of cancer. I can t work for a while but they found it early so the doctor said everything should be fine with the treatment. 11

14 I know it s difficult but it s important to put our health before work and keep up with our screenings. Absolutely. Neither of us had symptoms before, but they also found polyps during my colonoscopy. Mine were pre-cancerous so they just removed them, but I m determined to take better care of myself and get screened regularly. 12

15 I m happy you are all getting screened but I m even happier that you re sharing your stories. I could never talk to my friends about these things let alone my family. I hope you continue spreading awareness of the importance of getting screened and valuing our health. 13

16 CREDITS This project was made possible by the hard work and dedication of Actors: Prince George s County Community Members Photographer: Theron Scott Sponsor: Creative Team: Prince George s County Community Members Johana Jones Gabriela Siegel Funded by the National Cancer Institute s Community Networks Program (CNP # U54CA153710)

17 What is colorectal cancer? Also known as colon cancer it is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Facts About Colorectal Cancer What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Blood in the stool Changes in bowel habits Abdominal cramps or pain Often people who have polyps or early stage cancer may have NO signs or symptoms. Am I at high risk of developing colorectal cancer? Do you smoke? Are you 50 years or older? Do you have inflammatory bowel disease? Do you have a family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer? If you answered Yes to any of these questions you may have an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer. Early Detection The National Cancer Institute recommends the following screenings to detect and diagnose colorectal cancer. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy A doctor uses a short lighted tube to look for polyps or cancer in the rectum and in the lower 1/3 of the colon. Recommendations say it should be done every 5 years. Colonoscopy A doctor uses a longer lighted tube to look at the rectum and the entire colon. Recommendations say it should be done at least every 5-10 years. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Test used to find blood hidden in the stool. Recommendations say it should be done every year. Remember early detection saves lives. Talk to your doctor. For more information please call in Montgomery County or in Prince George s County