Public Service Announcements
To: Radio Public Affairs Directors
To help persuade your listeners to pay attention to signs of life-threatening conditions and diseases, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) provides these pre-recorded 15-, 30-and 60-second public service announcements (PSA) on various health awareness topics. The audio files and printable scripts are posted in English and Spanish.
The announcements also direct your listeners to a public information website (RadiologyInfo.org) with more information to help them understand the risks, screenings, symptoms and treatments associated with these diseases and conditions. The site is sponsored by RSNA and the American College of Radiology.
RSNA also has physician experts available for on-air or recorded interviews on these topics for your more in-depth reports. We can supply a list of suggested questions for interviews as well.
If you'd like to schedule interviews or for more information, please contact RSNA Media Relations at (630) 590-7762 or media@rsna.org.
May 2013
Stroke Awareness: Stroke is the nation's third leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability. Yet with new treatments, stroke can be detected early resulting in patients experiencing complete or near-complete recovery from its effects.
June 2013
Men's Health: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the leading causes of death for men over age 55. Yet, knowing the risks, getting screened and early detection can prevent this life threatening condition.
September 2012
Ovarian Cancer: With more than 15,000 deaths occurring each year, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecological cancers because early symptoms often go undetected.
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men.
That's why experts tell men to get yearly prostate cancer screenings
beginning at age 50.
October 2012
Breast Cancer:
As more women get regular cancer screenings that detect breast cancer early when it is most curable, deaths from this disease continue to decline.
November 2012
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the nation's leading cause of cancer-related death and is responsible for more deaths than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. As with any form of cancer, early detection is key to survival.
March 2013
Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Medical experts recommend screening for all men and women over age 50.
RSNA on the Air
RSNA 60-Second Checkup: One-minute audio segments on various topics in radiology.
Virtual Colonoscopy
CT colonography, commonly referred to as virtual colonoscopy, is a minimally invasive test that provides three-dimensional images of the colon. These images are useful in detecting polyps, cancer and other lesions in the large intestine.
Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than conventional colonoscopy. Medical experts recommend regular screenings for men and women over age 50; earlier for those at high risk.
Stroke
Stroke symptoms come on suddenly and may include numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Successful treatment usually depends on emergency care given within the "magic window" of time, within three hours of stroke onset.
Prostate Cancer
There are no symptoms for early prostate cancer when it is most treatable, but it can be detected early through regular screening. Imaging tests to detect the disease include ultrasound or MRI. Regular screenings are recommended for men over 50.
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, and may include surgery, radiation therapy or other methods.
Ovarian Cancer
Pelvic imaging and blood tests are currently the best methods of screening for ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
Breast Cancer
Women over 40 are urged to get yearly screening mammograms. Annual screenings help detect breast cancer when it is most curable.
Lung Cancer
Coughing, wheezing, hoarseness, and fatigue are just some of the symptoms that are often confused with less serious conditions. Smoking is the major risk, but even non-smokers can develop lung cancers.
As with any form of cancer, early detection is the key to survival. Lung cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation treatments, chemotherapy or one of several interventional radiology procedures. New screening methods such as CT scans are being used in clinical trials.