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The American Cancer
Society Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Toolkit
2017
As part of the American Cancer Society’s commitment to a world free from the pain and suffering of
cancer, we are pleased to be working with your company to help your employees and their families do
everything possible to help prevent the disease. We are diligent in encouraging cancer screenings for
early detection and promoting healthy lifestyles. For those who are diagnosed with the disease, we’re
here every step of the way. Whether people need – among other things – the latest cancer information,
day-to-day help, or emotional support, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please be sure to cite the American Cancer Society as your source of information when offering the
enclosed information to your employees. All of the information in this document is updated and
accurate. Changing the text or content of this toolkit might also change the accuracy of certain medical
content, and is not recommended. Thank you again for your commitment to helping save lives in the
workplace.
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Table of Contents
Freeing the World From the Pain and Suffering of Cancer
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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
4
How to Use This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Toolkit
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Email Messages
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Newsletter Inserts
9
Colorectal Cancer Social Media Messages
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American Cancer Society Resources
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Colorectal Cancer Videos
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Testimonials
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Freeing the World
From the Pain and Suffering of Cancer
As an organization of 2 million strong, the American Cancer Society is committed to a world free from
the pain and suffering of cancer. We are doing everything in our power to prevent the disease, including
promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging cancer screenings for early detection.
About 1 out of 5 cancers diagnosed in the United States could be prevented if people did what we know
works:

Stay at a healthy weight by eating right.

Get regular exercise.


Avoid all forms of tobacco.
Limit alcohol use.
In fact, all cancers caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented
completely. We are here to help you encourage your employees to do everything possible to prevent
cancer, including colorectal cancer (commonly known as colon cancer).
Regular screening tests can help prevent some colorectal cancers before they start or find them early
when they are small and treatment is more likely to be successful.
Healthy employees live longer, feel better, are more productive, take fewer sick days, and help keep the
company’s health care costs down. By encouraging your employees to get the recommended cancer
screening tests and to take care of themselves with everyday lifestyle choices, your organization is
taking an important step toward creating a healthier workplace and keeping down health care costs.
Together with the American Cancer Society, your company can help improve your employees’ health
and well-being, help improve your organization’s bottom line, and help free the world from the pain and
suffering of cancer.
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March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
The colorectal cancer rate has been going down for most of the past 2 decades. One reason is because
more people are getting screened for this disease, which is preventable, treatable, and beatable.
Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a polyp – a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum
– but doesn’t usually cause symptoms until it’s more advanced. (This means the cancer is bigger and/or
it has spread from where it started.) Colorectal cancer screening can help find and remove polyps before
they turn into cancer.
Encourage your employees to talk with their health care providers about getting tested and making a
testing plan that’s right for them. Together, we can help free the world from the pain and suffering of
colon cancer – and all cancers.
Your organization can help lower the number of new colon cancer cases that will be diagnosed in the
future by promoting colon cancer awareness and helping us get the word out to your employees.
Most colorectal cancers can be prevented through regular screening tests. Men and women who are 50
or older should talk to their health care providers about getting screened for colon cancer, even if they
have no symptoms. If they have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, they might need to start
getting tested sooner.
To learn more about how to help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, visit cancer.org/colon or call
the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
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How to Use the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Toolkit
When your organization participates in an American Cancer Society colorectal cancer awareness
campaign, you show your employees that you care about them as individuals and that you’re committed
to doing everything possible to help them prevent cancer, including promoting healthy lifestyles and
encouraging cancer screenings for early detection.
This toolkit includes different communication tools you can use based on your organization’s needs,
such as our recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines, general facts about the disease,
sample email messages to employees, articles for your company newsletter or intranet, and flyers you
can print from our website to post in break rooms and common areas. The materials are designed for
any size business or organization and can be tailored to your company’s needs.
The toolkit is currently available only in English, but the American Cancer Society does offer information
about cancer, including prevention, early detection, treatment, and managing side effects, in several
languages. The link to Cancer Information in Other Languages has been added on the Content
Subscription Service webpage.
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Email Messages
Start promoting National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month on
March 1, 2017, by sending information to all your employees with email access.
Email #1:
Subject: Regular Testing Can Help Prevent This Cancer
In our continued commitment to the health and well-being of our employees, [Company Name] is proud
to join the American Cancer Society® in recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
throughout the month of March. Together, we can do everything possible to help prevent colorectal
cancer – and all cancers, including encouraging screening for early detection.
One of the most important steps you can take if you’re 50 or older, is to get tested for colon cancer. If
you’re in this age group, talk to a health care provider about getting tested, even if no one in your family
has had colon cancer. If your parent, sibling, or child has ever had colon cancer or colon polyps, you
might need to start colon cancer screening before age 50. Be sure to ask about the different ways you
can be screened and when you should start. There are several ways to be tested, including simple take
home tests.
For more information about colon cancer and what you can do to help prevent it or find it early, visit
cancer.org/colon or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us
– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
Email #2:
Subject: The Best Test for Colon Cancer
Preventing colorectal cancer, or finding it early, doesn’t have to cost a lot. Some tests are simple,
affordable, and can be done at home.
Tests for colorectal cancer include:
 Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT):
Samples of stool (poop) are checked for blood, which might be a sign of a polyp or cancer.
 Stool DNA test (sDNA): A stool sample (poop) is checked for certain abnormal sections of DNA
(genetic material) that come from cancer or polyp cells.
 Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible, lighted tube is put into the rectum and lower colon to look for
polyps and cancer.
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 Colonoscopy: A longer, flexible tube is used to look at the entire colon and rectum.
 Double-contrast barium enema: This is an x-ray test of the colon and rectum.
 CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): This is a type of CT scan of the colon and rectum.
For more information about these tests and the steps you can take to help prevent colorectal cancer,
visit cancer.org/colon or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you
need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
Email #3
Subject: Learn Your Family’s Health History
Knowing your family’s health history is important to your own health. It could, in fact, help save your
life. Your health care provider can use your family health history to:


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Estimate your risk for certain medical conditions.
Recommend treatments and lifestyle changes.
Determine what tests and screenings are best for you.

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Identify conditions that otherwise might not be considered.
Assess possible health risks for your children.
Ideally, your family health history should include the following information about each relative for at
least 3 generations:
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Sex (male/female)
Date of birth (the approximate year of birth is usually enough)
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Current age or, if the relative is no longer living, cause of death and age at death
Diseases or medical conditions (including any history of colon polyps)
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If the relative had cancer (What type? How old were they when they were diagnosed?)

Any known behavioral factors, including diet, exercise, smoking and drinking habits, and any
weight problems
Here are some websites that might be helpful if you’re interested in putting together your family’s
health history:
 Mayo Clinic
Instructions for Compiling Family Medical Tree
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 Colon Cancer Alliance
Family Health History Tree - Free Download
 Surgeon General's Family Health History Initiative
My Family Health Portrait Tool – Free Download
Make your health a priority by learning more about what you can do to be as healthy as possible and
help prevent some forms of cancer. For information, visit cancer.org/healthy or call the American
Cancer Society® at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(Source: American Cancer Society®)
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Newsletter Inserts
Newsletter Insert #1
Title: Know the symptoms of colorectal cancer
Do you know the symptoms of colorectal cancer? You should see your health care provider if you have
any of the following:

A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for

more than a few days
A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved when you go.

Rectal bleeding



Blood in your stool, which may make it look dark
Cramping or belly pain
Weakness and tiredness
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Unintended weight loss
Most of these problems are caused more often by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as
infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. Still, if you have any
of these symptoms, it's important to see a health care provider right away so the cause can be found
and treated, if needed.
If colon cancer is present, symptoms often appear only after the cancer has grown or spread. That’s why
it’s best to be tested for colon cancer before ever having any symptoms. Colon cancer that’s found
through screening – testing that’s done on people with no symptoms – is usually easier to treat.
Screening can even prevent some colon cancers by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths called
polyps.
To learn more about the signs of symptoms of colon cancer and what you need to do to help prevent it,
visit cancer.org/colon or call the American Cancer Society® at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you
need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
Newsletter Insert #2
Title: Why You Should Get Tested for Colorectal Cancer
Having regular colon and rectum (also known as colorectal) cancer screenings is one of the most
powerful weapons for helping to prevent colorectal cancer or finding it early, when it’s easier to treat.
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Removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer from ever starting. And cancers found while they
are small and before they have spread (in an early stage), are easier to treat. Nine out of 10 people
whose colorectal cancer is discovered early will be alive 5 years later. And many will live a normal life
span.
When people don’t get colon cancer screening tests, a cancer can grow and spread without being
noticed. Early on, colorectal cancer doesn’t usually cause any noticeable changes (symptoms). In most
cases, by the time people do have symptoms the cancer is advanced and very hard to treat. Regular
screening is the most reliable way to find these cancers in the early stages. Ask a health care provider
about the best screening plan for you.
There are 2 types of screening tests:
Screening tests that mainly find cancer: These test your stool for signs that cancer may be present.
 Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
 Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
These tests are easier, but they are also less likely to detect polyps. People take these tests at home with
a kit they get from their doctor’s office, along with instructions. A positive result will need to be followed
up with a colonoscopy. But many times the cause is a non-cancerous condition, such as ulcers or
hemorrhoids. Stool tests like these need to be done every year.
Screening tests that can find both colorectal polyps and cancer: These tests look at the inside of your
colon to find any abnormal areas. These tests are preferred if they are available and you’re willing to
have them.
 Colonoscopy uses a flexible lighted tube with a small camera on the end to look at the entire
length of the colon and rectum. If polyps are found, they may be removed during the test. To
prepare for the test, you may be asked to follow a special diet for a day or two before the test.
You’ll also need to clean out your colon with strong laxatives (called a bowel prep) and
sometimes with enemas, too. Most people are sedated during the test. If nothing is found
during the test, you won’t need another one for 10 years.
 Flexible sigmoidoscopy is much like colonoscopy, but looks at only part of the colon and
rectum. If polyps are found, they may be removed during the test, or you may need to have a
colonoscopy later. Bowel prep may be needed to clean out your colon before this test. Most
people do not need to be sedated during this test. If polyps or suspicious areas are seen, a
colonoscopy will be needed to look at the rest of the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy must be
done every 5 years.
 Double-contrast barium enema is a type of x-ray test. A liquid called barium is put into the
rectum and it spreads through the colon. Air is then pumped in to spread the barium into a
thin, smooth layer to show better detail. Then x-rays are taken. It requires a bowel prep, but
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no sedation. If polyps or suspicious areas are seen on the test, a follow-up colonoscopy will be
needed. Barium enemas also need to be repeated every 5 years.
 CT colonography (also called virtual colonoscopy) is a scan of the colon and rectum that
produces detailed cross-sectional images so the doctor can look for polyps or cancer. It
requires a bowel prep, but no sedation. Air is pumped into the rectum and colon, and then a
CT scanner takes images of the colon. If something is seen that may need to be biopsied, a
follow-up colonoscopy will be needed. CT colonography must be done every 5 years.
Talk to your doctor about screening
Regular screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colon cancer. If polyps are found
during colon cancer testing, they can usually be removed before they have the chance to turn into
cancer. Testing can also result in finding cancer early, when it’s smaller, easier to treat, and more likely
to be curable.
If you’re 50 or older, talk to your doctor about which test is right for you and get tested as often as
recommended.
For more about the steps you can take to find colon cancer early, visit cancer.org/colon or call the
American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
Newsletter Insert #3
Title: Have you hit the big 5-0? It’s time to get tested!
Are you or is someone you care about 50 or older? Then it’s time to talk with a health care provider
about getting screened for colorectal cancer.
Because colon cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it is advanced, the American Cancer Society
recommends regular colon cancer screening for most people starting at age 50. If you have a family
history of the disease or have certain other risk factors, you should talk with a health care provider
about starting screening at a younger age.
When colon cancer is found early, before it has spread, the 5-year survival rate is 90%. This means 9 out
of 10 people with early-stage colon cancer survive at least 5 years. But if the cancer has had a chance to
spread outside the colon, survival rates are lower.
Several different tests can be used to screen for colon cancer. Talk with your provider to find out which
tests might be right for you. Many people aren’t getting the tests that could help save their lives
because they’re afraid the tests may be embarrassing or painful. The fact is, these tests are almost
always neither embarrassing nor painful. Some of the tests, such as colonoscopy, can help doctors find
polyps. Polyps are small growths in the colon that can develop into cancer over time.
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Colonoscopy is often recommended because it looks at the entire colon and because, if a polyp is found,
it can be removed during the procedure. Colonoscopy is done while you are sedated (sleepy or asleep),
so it’s not painful. Stool tests are another option, and you can do these tests in the privacy of your own
home. Click here to watch a short video about these and other colorectal cancer screening tests.
Preventing colorectal cancer, or finding it early, doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Simple, affordable
tests are available. Don’t wait – talk to your health care provider today.
To learn more about the steps you can take to help find colorectal cancer early, visit cancer.org/colon or
call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Social Media Messages
Staff who manage social media channels are encouraged to share and post the suggested Facebook
posts and Tweets below.
Suggested Facebook posts
1. Help save lives from colorectal cancer. Here are things you can do every day to reduce your risk of
getting #coloncancer:

Stay at a healthy weight.

Be physically active.



Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Limit the amount of red and processed meat you eat, including pork and lunch meats.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per

day for women.
Do not smoke or use any form of tobacco.
Visit cancer.org/fightcoloncancer to learn more about colon cancer and how to reduce your risk.
2. Help save lives from #coloncancer. If you are 50 or older, get tested for colon cancer, even if you have
no family history. Colorectal cancer is one of only 2 cancers that can actually be prevented through
regular screening tests. Visit cancer.org/fightcoloncancer to find out more.
3. Many people with #colorectal cancer have no symptoms or family history, which is why screening is
so important even when you feel healthy. Get screened. Visit cancer.org/fightcoloncancer to learn
more.
4. Did you know that there are many different choices for #coloncancer testing, including simple takehome tests? Visit http://bit.ly/1DZqgNR to read about the various tests and talk to your health care
provider about the one that’s best for you.
5. Don’t let these 5 common myths stop you from getting the potentially lifesaving tests you need, when
you need them. Visit http://bit.ly/VlsNeo for more information.
Suggested Tweets
Are you 50 or older? @AmericanCancer recommends you get regular screening tests for #coloncancer.
cancer.org/fightcoloncancer
You have choices when it comes to #coloncancer screening! Find out what they are.
http://bit.ly/1DZqgNR
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Get tested for #coloncancer if you are 50 or older, even if you have no family history.
cancer.org/fightcoloncancer
You have the power to #savelives from #coloncancer. Learn about screening and reducing your risk:
cancer.org/fightcoloncancer
We’re making progress against #coloncancer. When you support @AmericanCancer, you’re helping
#savelives. cancer.org/fightcoloncancer
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American Cancer Society Resources
Use these messages all year in company emails or newsletters to make employees aware of the many
American Cancer Society programs and resources available to help prevent cancer. Or, if they’re
diagnosed with the disease the American Cancer Society has programs and can be there with them
through every step of the way.
Message #1
Have you or has someone you know been affected by cancer? The American Cancer Society is here for
you every step of the way.

If you need a ride to treatment, we can help.

If you need a place to stay during treatment, we can help.

If you need the latest cancer information, day-to-day help, or emotional support to manage your
cancer experience or that of a loved one, we can help.
When you call or visit us online, you have access to free, easy-to-understand information to help you
make decisions during treatment, as well as help answering questions such as:


“What do I need to know about my cancer diagnosis?”
“What are my treatment options?”

“Where can I find a clinical trial?”
Above all, the American Cancer Society is available when you need us, offering information in more than
200 languages to help everyone find the help they need. Visit cancer.org or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week at 1-800-227-2345. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
Message #2
People with cancer and those who care about them don’t have to face the cancer experience alone.
They can connect with others who have been there through several American Cancer Society programs.
In addition to helping people find local support groups, we offer the following programs for emotional
support:
 Cancer Survivors NetworkSM: Created by and for cancer survivors and their families, our
Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a welcoming online community where people can get and
give support, connect with others, find resources, and tell their own stories through personal
expressions like music and art. Visit csn.cancer.org to find out more.
 Breast Cancer Support – Breast cancer survivors help people cope with their breast cancer
experience through our Reach To Recovery® program. Trained volunteer survivors give
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patients and their families the chance to ask questions, talk about their fears and concerns,
and express their feelings.
Contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or go to cancer.org to find out what programs
and services are available in your community. We’re here when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
Message #3
Interested in helping reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and
stroke? Weight management is key. Consider the following tips as you start managing your weight:
Know your body mass index (BMI). This number is commonly used to see if you’re at a healthy weight
for your height, or whether extra weight may be putting you at risk for health problems, such as cancer.
Visit cancer.org/bmi to get your BMI.
Eat your fruits and veggies. Replace high-calorie foods with fruits and vegetables. Try to eat at least 2½
cups of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
Make time for breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast tend to eat fewer calories
throughout the day. Breakfast will also help you function better during the workday and reduce
irritability.
Make smarter food choices. Use whole-grain pasta in place of white-flour pasta, and try low-fat or fatfree dairy products.
Drink water. Did you know thirst is often mistaken for hunger? If you think you’re hungry, try drinking a
glass of water before you go for a snack. Also try to drink water instead of sodas, sports drinks, and fruit
drinks. These contain a lot of added sugar and calories, and very little nutrition.
Get moving! Set a goal of being physically active for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75
minutes of vigorous activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the
week. Limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching TV, and other screen-based
entertainment. Exercise can help you keep your weight under control. Looking for time to exercise? Take
a quick walk during your break or at lunch.
Visit the American Cancer Society website at cancer.org/healthy to learn more about the best ways to
squeeze exercise in everyday through simple lifestyle changes. (Source: American Cancer Society®)
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Colon Cancer Videos
The videos in this collection explain colorectal cancer risk factors, screening tests, treatments, and more.
There are also personal stories from colorectal cancer survivors.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/colon-cancer-videos.html
Testimonials
Many people who have been screened for colorectal cancer have a story to share. Consider featuring
those individuals in your company newsletter, in an email, or on your intranet. Collect the following
information:
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Name and age




Was this your first colorectal cancer screening?
Did you put off having the screening? If yes, why?
Describe your experience. Did the screening show anything unusual?
What would you tell people who are avoiding being tested for colorectal cancer?
Written December 2016