Sharing Our Stories…

…for a Better Health

STARRING…

PILAR PATRICIA SEBASTIAN

PAKITA CHIQUI 1 Dr. NELLY CLAUDIA

2

Pilar, this is the commercial I was telling you about…

Everyone shifts their attention to the TV.

A group of neighborhood friends get together for coffee and small talk…

3

Patricia, isn’t it about time you got a colonoscopy? You’re already 56 years old!

No, no, no. I don’t have any symptoms.

If you are 50 years or older, getting a colorectal cancer screening could save your life…

Dr. Nelly Prince George’s County

Health Department

4

Even if you don’t have symptoms it’s important to get a colonoscopy.

I’m only 45 and I had polyps. I had a colonoscopy done early because one of my aunts died of colon cancer.

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…

5

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!

6

I told you it’s useless talking to him about it.

Talk to him anyways! It’s for your own good. Tell him that you

won’t need papers and the exam is free.

It’s not that, it’s just embarrassing for him!

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…

7

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..

8

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…

9

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.

10

A few months later, Pilar, Patricia and Sebastian get together with their friends to share their experiences…

It went well. The doctor said that everything looks fine and that I should have another colonoscopy in 5 years.

Pilar, how did your appointment go?

11

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.

Great! How about you, Sebastian? Did you also have colonoscopy?

12

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.

13

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.

CREDITS This project was made possible by the hard work and dedication of…

Sponsor:

Actors: Prince George’s County Community Members

Photographer: Theron Scott

Creative Team: Prince George’s County Community Members

Johana Jones Gabriela Siegel

Funded by the National Cancer Institute’s Community Networks Program (CNP # U54CA153710)

What is colorectal cancer?

Also known as colon cancer it is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.

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.

Facts About Colorectal Cancer

Remember early detection saves lives. Talk to your doctor. For more information please call 240-777-1222 in Montgomery County or 301-883-3524 in Prince George’s County