Prioritize Your Health for Early Detection of Colon Cancer

“Taking a day to go and have a painless procedure definitely outweighs the loss of your life that your family could potentially have to endure in the future.”

Stephanie Wolford-Miller, a senior Epic Application System Analyst at CentraCare, experienced a life-altering event in April 2022 when her father, Butch, collapsed at home and was rushed to the emergency room. His devastating diagnosis of stage four colorectal cancer, which had metastasized to his liver and adrenal glands, highlighted the importance of proactive health measures.

Despite undergoing chemotherapy for a year, Butch decided to end his treatment as his health declined. Just two short days after being placed on hospice care, Butch passed away on Feb. 26, 2023, at the age of 65.

Reflecting on her father’s journey, Stephanie emphasizes the critical need for others not to make the same mistakes. She urges individuals to prioritize their health and take proactive steps, such as preventive care visits and the free colon cancer screening kits, now available at multiple CentraCare locations through April 15.

Stephanie’s call to action is clear: she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health by advocating for greater awareness of preventive health care services. By emphasizing the importance of regular screenings and prompt medical attention when you’re experiencing symptoms or changes in your body or health, she believes tragedies like her father’s can be prevented. Stephanie’s message is simple yet profound, “Taking a day to go and have a painless procedure definitely outweighs the loss of your life that your family could potentially have to endure in the future.” Our health is our most valuable asset, deserving our attention every single day.”

You can stay on top of your health by seeing your doctor routinely. They can provide preventive health screenings and monitor your health over time, allowing them to catch diseases early and help you manage them before they progress.

Learn more about the free colon cancer screening kits available through April 15.