Patient Stories
Cancer in the family... Read Darryl's story
Prevention and Early Detection
Small choices can make a big difference in your health. Whether it's scheduling an annual mammogram or talking to a genetic counselor, prevention and early detection significantly help decrease the risk and impact of cancer.
Examine your family tree
When it comes to cancer, it helps to know your family's medical history. Some cancers can be attributed to genetic factors. While there's no certain correlation, genetic factors may contribute in up to 15% of cancer cases. Use My Family Health Portrait to map out your family medical history online.
Check your rate of risk
St. Luke's Cancer Risk Assessment Services offer counseling, genetic testing and observation services to help you understand your risk for breast, colon, ovarian and endometrial cancers. When you fill out a cancer risk assessment form, a counselor will review your family's health history and determine if you would benefit from an appointment.
Put your health on your to-do list
It’s important to make time for yearly health screening tests. Unsure of what tests you should take? Check out the American Cancer Society's guidelines for screenings, then sit down with your calendar and make those appointments. You can receive your mammograms and colonoscopies at St. Luke's.
Freedom From Smoking Program
Want to dramatically reduce your cancer risk? There are two ways you can do it. Stop smoking and reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke. We’re here to help you quit.
St. Luke's has a program aimed at helping people kick the smoking habit. The Freedom From Smoking (FFS) program provides a group setting for adults to work through the quitting process. There are eight group sessions led by an expert who understands how hard it is for smokers to quit.
You'll learn about:
- Medicines that can help you stop smoking
- Lifestyle changes that make quitting easier
- Preparing for Quit Day
- Managing stress
- Avoiding weight gain
- Developing a new self-image
- How to stay smoke-free for good
The programs are held at St. Luke’s Family Counseling, 1077 N Center Point Rd, Hiawatha. Learn more about the Freedom from smoking program by calling 319/369-8762.
Eat well, live well
Simple lifestyle choices will help your body keep cancer at bay. Some suggestions include avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, making smart choices about sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates, and limiting your alcohol intake. You can also add five servings a day of fruit and vegetables and get a little exercise to help your body keep cancer at bay.
For more information, e-mail us or call 319/369-7836.
New cancer fighting tool
Watch this video to learn more about a special scope found only at St. Luke's that helps doctors detct lung cancer.
