Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you

Helping detect cancer early

Getting regular screenings may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable. There may be more options for treatment too. Ascension Borgess imaging centers provide diagnostic tests, including low-dose CT lung scans and mammograms. Talk to your doctor about your family history of cancer and health screenings, including colon and rectal cancer screening with colonoscopy, breast screening exams and mammograms, low-dose CT lung scans, Pap test for cervical cancer, and PSA testing for prostate cancer.

• In your 20s: Women should begin getting regular Pap exams and clinical breast exams.
• In your 30s: Women should continue getting regular clinical breast exams. They should begin getting HPV tests in addition to Pap exams.
• In your 40s: Women should begin getting regular mammograms in addition to HPV tests and Pap exams. At age 45, both men and women should start talking with their doctor about colorectal cancer screenings.
• 50 and older: Women should continue getting regular mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings, HPV tests and Pap exams or as recommended by their doctor. Men should continue getting regular colorectal cancer screenings and start discussing prostate screenings with their provider. Men and women who previously smoked heavily or who have smoked cigarettes within the past 15 years should talk with their doctor about an annual low-dose CT screening for lung cancer. Older individuals should consult with their doctor about other screening tests.

The Ascension Borgess care teams help make scheduling your appointment as convenient as possible. Ask your doctor about the cancer screenings that are right for you. Be sure to check with your insurance provider so that you are informed regarding your coverage for screening and preventive care services. 

Advanced cancer care close to home

At Ascension Borgess, our cancer care teams are beside you from diagnosis through recovery. Your multispecialty care team may include medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists,  diagnostic imaging radiologists, cardio-oncologists, oncology-certified nurses, educators, palliative care specialists, dietitians, and rehabilitation therapists.

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Financial assistance and support is available

If you and your family need help with financial assistance, we can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.

Insurance and medical records requests

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Benefits of our cancer care approach

When you choose Ascension Borgess for your cancer care, you get doctors who involve you in making decisions and an entire team that is with you throughout your cancer journey. We take a compassionate, personalized approach to cancer care.

• Compassionate medical oncology: We work together to deliver medication therapies that are right for you, close to home and at convenient locations.
• A team dedicated to tumor care: Patients will have a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to help find the best possible way to treat complex and rare cancers.
• Experienced surgical teams: Advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, are used to remove as much cancer as possible while saving healthy tissue.
• Rehabilitation after cancer treatment: Personalized physical therapy helps you manage your symptoms such as lymphedema and problems with fatigue and weakness.
• Support: Ascension Borgess care teams provide nutrition education, exercise programs, counseling, support groups and spiritual care for your physical and emotional health.

If radiation therapy is recommended as part of your care plan, your cancer care team at Ascension Borgess can coordinate care with radiation oncology services in southwest Michigan.