 In the healthcare world, fall signals the time of year for Cancer screenings. Campaigns to raise awareness of cancers such as prostate, breast and colorectal have been immensely valuable the past two decades in the fight against these diseases simply because they remind people to learn the symptoms and be tested.
Great technological advancements in recent years have also enabled physicians to more accurately diagnose cancer at earlier and, therefore, more curable, stages. And, because more people proactively seek screenings, cancers are more often caught early, before they spread – and survival rates are increasing. Many of these diagnostic tools and remarkable stories have been featured in previous issues of ONE.
In this issue, we take a closer look at experimental and breakthrough treatments that are offering patients new approaches to battle both the common and the very rare cancers. Many in Colorado still are not aware of the breadth and scope of research and new treatments available in Denver across the HealthONE system – some of which are unavailable even at better known centers nationally.
Physicians affiliated with HealthONE’s seven hospitals are in the leading edge trying different treatments and combinations of approaches – from new drugs and chemotherapy agents, to better surgeries and therapies. And, our hospitals’ staff help ensure support and resources are available to meet patients’ needs from diagnosis, to treatment, to recovery. 
In the 1970s people rarely said “cancer” publicly, much less discussed it. Thanks to awareness campaigns, the taboo is gone. Today, nearly everyone has been touched by cancer and knows of someone who’s had it. And, while being diagnosed remains one of the most frightening and confusing experiences a person can face, the outcomes are changing because many dedicated and brave people – like those in this issue of ONE – are taking part in research and trials.
For everyone else, take the most important step: KNOW THE RISKS, KNOW THE SYMPTOMS, GET SCREENED.
|
