Number 2 Cancer Killer

 

MAKE SURE YOU TUNE IN TO EYEWITNESS NEWS FIVE AT FIVE FOR TONIGHT’S WHAT MATTER’S TO YOU!!

Dr. William Tierney at OU Cancer Institute says it’s a tragedy when they diagnose cancer in many patients because they haven’t undergone screenings.  With proper preventative measures, it’s estimated that 70% of all colon cancer can be prevented.  But, we know that without insurance, and even sometimes with it, that bill can be a tough one to foot alone. 

The OU Cancer Institute and the GI Division of Internal Medicine have received state dollars to provide free Colorectal Screenings for a limited number of uninsured and underinsured Oklahomans.  Here’s the criteria you’ll need to meet to get some help:

1.  Patients must not have insurance or another payer source to cover Colorectal Screening.

2.  Patients must be between the ages of 50-64 OR have a risk indication for early screening including symptoms such as bleeding or alterations in bowel habits.

3.  OU Physicians Pharmacy Vouchers for Golightly are available through the Internal Medicine Clinic at Presbyterian Professional Building.  Otherwise, the patient will need to pay for the Golightly (approximately $12)

4.  Patients must be Oklahoma Residents-Oklahoma Driver’s License

5.  Funds are available to cover their initial visit and their co-pay may be waived if they identify themselves to the financial counselors as an OUCI-colorectal screening patient.

Patients must be able to provide a driver for them to and from the procedure.

Questions?–Call 405-271-6822

******************************

I lost my maternal grandfather to colon cancer many years ago.  I wish he could see the woman I’ve become.  And I hope that during this Colon Cancer Awareness Month you’ll hear someones’ story and make an appointment to get a screening for yourself or your loved one soon!  If you need another reminder of the reason why screenings are so important or you think you might be away from your tv around 5p tonight, go to the ‘what matters’ section of koco dot com and you can view our What Matters to You piece once it airs tonight.