STAY AHEAD
An Emmy-Award-Winning PSA encouraging Veterans to take action through early colorectal cancer screening.
Produced for the VA National Oncology Program, Stay Ahead reminds Veterans that early detection saves lives—and that staying proactive with health screenings means staying ahead of cancer.
View Emmy-Award-Winning "Stay Ahead" PSA
The PSA achieved wide distribution across VA’s national and regional channels, driving strong engagement and awareness among Veteran audiences—showcasing the power of creative storytelling to advance VA’s mission of early detection and long-term health.
OVERVIEW
“Stay Ahead” is a national public service announcement created for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Oncology Program to raise awareness about colorectal cancer screening and early detection. Colorectal cancer is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the Veteran community, with roughly 4,000 new cases each year.
Gig Line Media was selected to bring this message to life through a PSA that spoke directly—and respectfully—to Veterans about a topic often overlooked until it’s too late. The result was a clear, compassionate story reminding Veterans that prevention is strength, and early action can save lives.
BEHIND THE STORY
Built on Trust and Authenticity
Gig Line Media collaborated with VA clinicians, researchers, and communications leaders to translate complex medical information into an accessible, human message. Drawing from real experiences within the Veteran community, the creative direction focused on empowerment—reinforcing that screenings are not just a medical step, but an act of self-care and readiness.
Shot on-location at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, the production combined cinematic visuals with a grounded, hopeful tone. Every scene was designed to normalize the conversation around cancer screening, reduce stigma, and highlight VA’s commitment to delivering world-class care for Veterans across the country.
PRODUCTION & IMPACT
“Stay Ahead” aired across broadcast, digital, and social channels as part of VA’s broader outreach campaign for the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. The PSA contributed to growing national awareness of at-home FIT kit screening options and VA’s expansion of access to more than one million Veterans nationwide.
The campaign was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, earning a 2023–2024 Northern California Emmy® Award for excellence in public service storytelling.