Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

THE JOURNEY TO SURVIVORSHIP YOUR PATH TO SURMOUNTING CANCER STARTS BEFORE YOU'RE EVER DIAGNOSED. MEN HAVE A one-in-two chance of developing the disease, and women have a one-in-three chance. Understanding the path to survivorship is the best way to manage the anxiety, fear, and other challenges associated with the illness. At HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, we're committed to caring for patients at every stage of that journey. THE PATH TO TREATMENT Once your diagnosis is confirmed, the medical team at HSHS Sacred Heart comes together to make sure you have what you need. In addition to providing high-quality medical care, we know that supporting you and your family during this time is vital to your cancer journey. To learn more about cancer treatment at Sacred Heart, look for the Path to Treatment symbol in this publication. THE PATH TO PREVENTION In general, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival. The first step on your prevention journey is education. Do you know your risk factors for certain cancers? The 3D Community Health: Body.Mind.Spirit HealthAware assessments help identify your risk factors for prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. "HealthAware screenings can save your life," says Georgia J. Smith, Executive Director, Cancer Care Services at HSHS Sacred Heart. "Cancer is curable if caught early enough, and if you know your risk factors, you can get screenings to detect it in its earliest stages." To take a HealthAware assessment, visit sacredhearteauclaire.org/healthaware. To learn more about your Path to Prevention, look for the Path to Prevention symbol in this publication. THE PATH TO DIAGNOSIS Screening outcomes that indicate cancer or cancer symptoms typically lead to further testing to confirm a cancer diagnosis. These follow-up measures may include: ✳ lab tests of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids ✳ imaging procedures to check for the presence of a tumor ✳ biopsy, a small sample of tissue that is examined for cancer cells Although these tests can be scary, they are the first steps on the path to receiving the care you need. To learn more about cancer diagnostics at Sacred Heart, look for the Path to Diagnosis symbol throughout this publication. THE PATH TO SURVIVORSHIP Patients with cancer are more than their disease. Most return to normal, productive lives. Some patients and their families may need palliative or hospice care, and the compassionate staff at Sacred Heart Hospital can counsel families about these options. To learn more about the Path to Survivorship, look for the symbol in this publication. 3 S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G

• Cover