Please note: This speech would, of course, have to be tailored to your specific event and audience. For example, you might want to talk more about CCA and our support and information services if you are speaking to an audience of survivors. You might want to share more of your own personal experience with colorectal cancer to emphasize why the general public should be aware. If you want any help preparing, please do not hesitate to contact CCA (info@CCAlliance.org).

Good evening/afternoon/morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished panel (or whatever headings are appropriate to the function: i.e. invited guests/ doctors/ friends/ supporters). Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is/I am ____________ and I am representing the Colon Cancer Alliance. I am a colon cancer survivor (or I have colon cancer; My ___________________is a colon cancer survivor; My ___________________died from colon cancer).

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. This does not have to be the case! Routine screening and early detection programs can directly reduce the number of deaths from colorectal cancer in two ways: prevention and early detection. Prevention has to do with preventing the cancer from ever developing by finding and removing precancerous polyps or growths before they become cancerous. Early detection is about finding the cancer early, when it is most treatable. When found while the cancer is still localized within the colon or rectum, there is a 90% five-year survival rate; sadly, only 37% of colorectal cancers are found that early. Routine screening is the best way to find colorectal cancers early, when they are most treatable.

Despite these facts, colorectal cancer remains a cancer that people are embarrassed to talk about. Most people are still unaware of colorectal cancer and of the fact that they should be screened for this disease. March is about changing that potentially lethal oversight! If you are over 50, or if you are under 50 but at higher risk for this disease, make an appointment to talk with your doctor about screening options today. Talk with your family to learn if there is a family history that puts you at higher risk. Read our Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheets and learn the symptoms and risk factors. Colorectal cancer is Preventable. Treatable. Beatable!

I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about the Colon Cancer Alliance. We are a group of survivors, caregivers, and others touched by colorectal cancer. We are here to offer support and information to those affected by this disease. We have an extensive buddy support network and online chat program where survivors and caregivers can get one-on-one and group support. We have issue-specific booklets available in print or online. Our website, now over 500 pages, offers a wealth of information and support. You can find out more about us by checking out our website at www.CCAlliance.org or by calling 1-877-422-2030. In closing, I would like to invite all of you to join the Colon Cancer Alliance and to join us in our fight against colorectal cancer. Please feel free to stop by and see me (and mention other CCA's people present) when today's program is over. I/we will gladly answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

The information provided by the CCA on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

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