Your Health is Your Greatest Asset. Let’s Protect It Together.
At Saint Francis Healthcare System, we believe the best approach to healthcare is proactive, not reactive. Your well-being is a lifelong journey, and taking preventative steps today is the most powerful way to ensure a healthier tomorrow. Routine health screenings are a cornerstone of this journey, providing a vital look at your health and empowering you to stay ahead of potential concerns.
The Power of Prevention and Early Detection
Many health conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings serve as your body’s early alert system, allowing us to detect issues in their beginning stages, when they are often easiest to treat. By making preventative care a priority, you are taking control of your health, gaining peace of mind, and investing in your future. Our dedicated team is here to provide the compassionate care and advanced screenings you need to live your life to the fullest. Below, we have provided essential information about prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer to help you stay proactive and vigilant.
Talk to your provider and schedule your routine screenings today.
Learn more about the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute.
Your Health, Your Future: Breathe Easier with Early Lung Cancer Detection
With early detection and the right team, a lung cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be devastating. Take a proactive step for your long-term health today.
Advanced Screening for Early Detection
Early detection is key to improving outcomes for lung cancer. At Saint Francis Medical Center, we use cutting-edge diagnostic tools, including ION-guided biopsy technology, to pinpoint potential concerns with precision. This advanced procedure allows our specialists to identify and address lung cancer in its earliest stages, significantly improving your chances for successful treatment.
Why Early Detection Matters
For those at high risk, acting early can make all the difference. Our advanced screening methods provide a detailed look at your lungs, helping our expert cancer team map the path from diagnosis to action. By identifying potential issues before symptoms develop, we give you the best opportunity for effective treatment and recovery, so you can get back to living your life.
Who is High-Risk?
You may be considered high-risk if you:
- Are between the ages of 50 and 80
- Have a history of heavy smoking
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
If this describes you, it is time to have a conversation about your lung health.
Hope and Strength at Saint Francis
At Saint Francis Healthcare System, we are your dedicated partners in health. Our oncologists listen and work with a multidisciplinary team to build a personalized treatment plan just for you. From your initial screening to comprehensive cancer treatments, we combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Under the direction of board-certified medical and radiation oncologists, Saint Francis Medical Center offers a variety of advanced treatments for lung cancer, including:
- ION-guided biopsy to pinpoint the disease
- Advanced surgery to remove tumors
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Frameless stereotactic radiosurgery
- Chemotherapy
- Biological drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
Get Screened
Your long-term health is worth a conversation. We understand the importance of proactive care and are here to support you every step of the way.
Free annual lung cancer screenings for adults 50 and older are held Monday – Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm at Saint Francis Medical Center. A physician’s order is required and should be faxed to 573-331-5030.
Call 573-331-5111 for details.
Learn more about the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute.
Your Health, Your Future: Early Breast Cancer Detection Saves Lives
When breast cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is 97%. Take control of your health story, starting today.
Early detection is your most powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. The cancer team at Saint Francis Medical Center’s Cancer Institute offers hope through early detection and strength through advanced cancer treatment and therapies. We are dedicated to giving you the power to live a full, happy life – cancer-free. With our support, you can take bold steps toward protecting your health and embracing every moment ahead.
The Power of a Mammogram
A mammogram is a simple, effective screening that can detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear. It’s a vital part of safeguarding your health.
When should you get screened?
- Age 40: If you are 40 or older, schedule your annual mammogram now.
- Earlier for High-Risk Groups: If you have a family history of breast cancer, it’s recommended to start the conversation with your doctor about screening earlier.
Compassionate, Advanced Breast Cancer Care
When you choose Saint Francis Breast Care Center, you are choosing experienced professionals committed to your well-being. Our expert team provides advanced technology and personalized treatment plans to support you at every stage.
After diagnosis, treatment follows quickly at the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute. Anesthesiologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, a genetic counselor, and a nurse navigator work collaboratively to provide the latest, evidence-based treatment, including:
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy or double mastectomy
- Chemotherapy
Get Screened
Appointments for mammograms are offered at Saint Francis Breast Care Center Monday – Friday from 7:45 am – 4:15 pm. Appointments are also offered the first Saturday of the month from 8 am – 12 pm. You can make an appointment by calling 573-331-5111 or online.
Learn more about the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute.
Meet Our Providers
Sydnei E. Tolefree, MD is a board-certified general surgeon with a specialized focus in breast care.
April Ostendorf-Morris, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, is a board-certified Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist specializing in general surgery, with a dedicated focus on high-risk breast care and breast cancer.
Your Health, Your Future: The Power of Colon Cancer Screening
Regular screenings can reduce colon cancer deaths by 60%. Colon cancer is highly preventable when caught early, and taking action now is the most powerful step you can take for your long-term health.
The best time to protect your future is today. With regular screenings like a colonoscopy, you can prevent colon cancer or find it at its most treatable stage. The expert cancer team at Saint Francis Medical Center offers hope through early detection and strength through advanced cancer treatment and therapies. We are committed to giving you the power to live a full, happy life – cancer-free.
How a Screening Can Save Your Life
A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer prevention. It allows doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps before they have the chance to develop into cancer. This simple, proactive step provides vital information and peace of mind.
- Prevention is Key: Unlike many cancers, colon cancer can often be stopped before it starts.
- When to Screen: If you are age 45 or older, or have a family history or other risk factors, it’s time to talk to your doctor about a screening.
Finding Hope and Strength at Saint Francis Healthcare System
Under the direction of board-certified radiation oncologists, Saint Francis Medical Center provides advanced surgery and sophisticated therapeutic radiation treatments to treat various forms of colon cancer. Treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers such as rectal cancer and colon cancer include:
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- Frameless stereotactic radiosurgery to precisely target tumors in various areas of the body
- Chemotherapy
Get Screened
Your health and well-being are our top priorities. At Saint Francis Healthcare System, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and guiding you through every stage of your treatment.
Contact your primary care provider to schedule a colonoscopy.
Learn more about the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute.
Your Health, Your Future: The Importance of Prostate Cancer Screening
One in eight men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. This is a significant number, but it doesn’t have to be a frightening one. With early detection and advanced care, you have the power to protect your health and live a full, happy life. The best time to act is now.
Early Detection is Your Strongest Defense
When it comes to prostate cancer, early detection can save lives. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood screening that helps identify potential issues before symptoms even appear. When found early, prostate cancer is often highly treatable, giving you more options and a greater chance for a successful outcome.
When should you get screened?
- Age 50: Most men should consider starting regular PSA screenings at age 50.
- Earlier for High-Risk Groups: If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American, it’s recommended to start the conversation with your doctor about screening as early as age 40 or 45.
Don’t wait for a sign. Being proactive about your health is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
Hope and Strength at Saint Francis Healthcare System
Should a screening reveal a concern, you are not alone. The dedicated cancer team at Saint Francis Healthcare System offers hope through early detection and strength through advanced treatment and therapies. We are committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care that is personalized to your needs. Our goal is to empower you on your journey to becoming cancer-free.
Saint Francis Medical Center provides the latest in surgery and new prostate cancer treatments, including:
- da Vinci® S HD™ System
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
Get Screened
Your long-term health is worth a conversation. Taking control starts with a simple blood test that provides peace of mind and vital information. Be strong for yourself and the people who count on you.
Contact your primary care provider to get screened.
Learn more about the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute.
Comprehensive Cancer Care
Hope and Strength in the Face of a Cancer Diagnosis. No Matter the Type, We Are Here to Fight with You.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The dedicated cancer team at Saint Francis Healthcare System provides advanced, compassionate care for a wide variety of cancers. Our mission is to combine leading-edge treatments with unwavering support, giving you the strength and hope needed to navigate your path to recovery and live a full, happy life.
Advanced Treatment for a Wide Range of Cancers
Our multidisciplinary team of experts has the knowledge and technology to diagnose and treat many forms of cancer. We develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the most effective care possible.
We treat a wide variety of cancers, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Skin cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Uterine cancer
Why Choose Us for Cancer Care?
At Saint Francis Medical Center, we offer more than just medical treatment; we provide a circle of support. Our approach is built on a foundation of hope, strength, and a commitment to a higher standard of healthcare.
- Expert Team: Access a collaborative team of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff.
- Advanced Therapies: Benefit from the latest in cancer treatment, including innovative therapies and clinical trials.
- Patient-Centered Care: Your well-being is our priority. We are your partners, supporting you and your family every step of the way.
Take the first step toward powerful, comprehensive care.
Learn more about the Saint Francis Medical Center Cancer Institute.
