ScreenTalk

ScreenTalk family screening plan · · Bring this to a checkup. Based on American Cancer Society guidelines for people at average risk. Not medical advice.

CodeTheCure 2026, Prevention & Education track. Made by a high school student.

Help your family get cancer screening on time

Screening tests can find some cancers early, before symptoms, when they are easier to treat. Add the adults in your family and ScreenTalk shows which American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines apply to each of them. Then it helps you bring it up.

In 2022, only 61% of U.S. adults ages 45 to 75 were up to date with colorectal cancer screening, so about 4 in 10 were behind (CDC).

Build my family plan Play Myth or Fact
  • Nothing leaves your device
  • Every fact links to ACS, NCI, or CDC
  • Education, not a diagnosis

Important: ScreenTalk shares general ACS guidelines for people at average risk with no symptoms. It does not diagnose, estimate anyone's risk, or replace a healthcare provider. Anyone with symptoms or a strong family history should talk with a provider.

Also in Spanish (Español, top of the page). The Spanish version is waiting for review by a native speaker; its medical terms follow the CDC and NCI Spanish pages.

1 · Your family screening plan

Add the adults in your life. Use nicknames like “Mom” or “Nana”. Everything is saved only in this browser.

Add a family member

Body (decides which screenings apply)

Total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed, not for cancer)? ACS says cervical screening stops, so uncheck both. After a partial hysterectomy the cervix stays.

Smoking
0pack-years

A pack-year is 1 pack (about 20 cigarettes) a day for a year (ACS). Rough numbers are fine.

USPSTF lung screening stops once someone has not smoked for 15 years. ACS has no such limit.

Family history (optional)

These only change which ACS guideline note we show. We never calculate risk.

No one added yet. Add someone with the form, or load a made-up demo family to see how it works.

Family timeline

When each ACS guideline applies. Solid = ACS recommends it. Lighter = a choice to discuss with a provider. ▼ = age today. “90+” bars continue while ACS says screening still makes sense for that person’s health.

    2 · Start the talk

    Health talks are awkward. Pick a person and a style, then say it out loud or send it.

    Teens often write for a parent who reads a different language. This sets the language of the message and of the printed checkup sheet; the rest of the app stays as it is.

    Tips that make it easier
    • Pick a calm moment, not right after bad news or during an argument.
    • Lead with care: “I want you around for a long time.”
    • Offer one concrete thing: find the clinic number, sit with them while they call, or set a reminder.
    • If they say no, that is okay. You planted the idea. Try again in a few weeks.

    Rehearse the talk

    Practice with a parent who pushes back: “I feel fine,” “too expensive,” “scared of a colonoscopy,” “no family history,” “no time.” Every coaching tip is backed by ACS, NCI, or CDC. In English or Spanish.

    Language

    3 · Myth or Fact?

    Twelve claims you have probably heard. Each answer links to the source.

    Card 1 of 12 Score: 0

    4 · Habits for you, starting now

    Screening is for adults, but prevention starts in your teens. These are the ACS steps to help reduce cancer risk. Check the ones you'll commit to.

      Source: “Take control of your health” in the ACS screening guidelines. One more for teens: ACS says anyone 13 through 26 who hasn’t finished the HPV vaccine should get it as soon as possible (ACS HPV vaccines).

      Get help and get screened

      Free, trusted places to call or visit, including options without insurance or a doctor.