Since July 14, our Astera Health/CentraCare Coborn Cancer Center has helped patients receive treatment closer to home, surrounded by family, friends, and the community they love.
As we celebrate our first anniversary, we also want to focus on something even more important: finding cancer early.
The best cancer treatment is often the one you never need because cancer was found before it had a chance to spread.
Why People Are Waiting
We understand. Life is expensive right now.
Many families are watching every dollar. Some people put off doctor visits because they worry about the cost, have busy schedules, or simply don’t have time.
But waiting can become much more expensive.
Finding cancer early often means:
- Less treatment
- Lower medical costs
- Fewer days away from work
- Better quality of life
- More treatment options
- A greater chance of survival
Waiting until symptoms appear can mean more appointments, more treatments, and more time away from the people and activities you love.
Two Screenings That Save Lives
At Astera Health, increasing breast cancer and colon cancer screenings is one of our top priorities because these screenings work.
Mammograms Find Breast Cancer Early
A mammogram can find breast cancer before you can feel a lump.
When breast cancer is found early:
- Treatment is often simpler.
- Survival rates are much higher.
- Women may have more treatment choices.
Most women should begin talking with their healthcare provider about mammograms around age 40. Your provider can help you decide what is right for you based on your personal and family history.
If you’ve been putting off your mammogram, now is the time to schedule it.
Colon Cancer Is Preventable
Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through screening.
During a colonoscopy, your provider can find and remove small growths called polyps before they become cancer.
That means a screening doesn’t just detect cancer—it can stop it before it starts.
If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer, talk with your provider about which screening is right for you.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms
One of the biggest myths about cancer is that you’ll know when something is wrong.
Many cancers don’t cause symptoms in their early stages.
By the time you notice pain, bleeding, or other warning signs, treatment may be more difficult.
Screenings are designed to find problems before symptoms begin.
Care Close to Home Matters
When someone hears the words, “You have cancer,” life changes in an instant.
Traveling hours for appointments only adds more stress.
That’s why Astera Health and CentraCare invested in bringing cancer care to our communities. Today, many patients can receive treatment closer to home while staying connected to their support system.
But our goal is even bigger than treating cancer.
Our goal is helping people avoid advanced cancer whenever possible through early detection.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Think of a screening as an investment.
It takes a little time today, but it could save you months of treatment, thousands of dollars, and precious time with your family in the future.
One appointment could make all the difference.
As we celebrate one year of providing cancer care close to home, we’re asking our communities to make one promise:
Don’t wait. Get screened.
If you’re due for a mammogram, colon cancer screening, or another preventive screening, talk with your family medicine provider or schedule an appointment with Astera Health.
Early detection saves lives. It could save yours.
Learn more about Astera Health Cancer Care and preventive screenings at https://asterahealth.org.