April 2025

No Better Month to Take Action than April—Early Cancer Detection Month!

Who is the first to recognize cancer signs or a serious illness?

70-75% by the patient
15-20% by a doctor
5-14% by routine screening

Learn 3 Steps Detect®

Know Your Great Health: Pay close attention to your body's baseline. Notice what's normal for you—energy levels, digestion, weight, skin, pain, bathroom habits, lumps, bumps...so when things get not-so-great, you will know!

Use the Two-Week Rule: If subtle and persistent health changes don't go away after 2 weeks, it's time to act. And tell a friend who will bug you and make sure you get checked out!

Tip: Record your health changes—track what’s happening, when it started, how often, and whether it’s worsening. These clues will help your doctor help you.

Share with Your Doctor: You may not think your health changes are important, but share them and let your doctor decide, even if it feels a little embarrassing. Trust us: doctors don’t blush, and what you share could make all the difference!

Tip: Once you are given a plan of action, ask when you should expect to feel better and what else your health changes could be?

3 Steps Detect Saves Lives

LEARN LIFESAVING 3 STEPS DETECT IN APRIL!

Updates

The Results Are In!

DetecTogether's 3 Steps Detect® Participant Survey reveals record-breaking impact — and the momentum keeps growing!

Every day, more people are using 3 Steps Detect to catch serious health issues, including cancer, earlier — and it’s changing lives.

3 Steps Detect® is making a lasting difference:

It sticks — even years after the training, people remember it and put it into practice.
It builds confidence — participants feel better equipped to partner with their doctors and get the answers they need.
It sparks action — people are not just recognizing when something’s wrong, they’re taking proactive steps.
It saves lives — earlier detection means better outcomes and more time for what matters most.

Colonoscopy vs. Stool Test: What's the Difference?

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon and rectum. During the procedure, polyps can be detected and removed—potentially preventing cancer.

Recommended starting at age 45, and typically repeated every 10 years, unless you are at higher risk, have symptoms, or polyps are found.

✅Benefits

Considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer
Can prevent cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps
Screens the entire colon

⚠ Limitations

Requires bowel prep and sedation
May need time off from work and need transportation support
Slight risk of bleeding or perforation

Stool-Based Test

These tests check for hidden (occult) blood or abnormal DNA, which may indicate polyps or cancer. They are recommended for average-risk individuals starting at age 45.

Common tests include FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test), which is recommended annually, and a stool DNA test, like Cologuard, which is done every 3 years if normal results.

✅Benefits

Non-invasive and can be done at home
No bowl prep or dietary restrictions
A stool sample may detect the signs of polyps, DNA mutations, or cancer.

⚠ Limitations

May miss some polyps and cancers
Must be done yearly with FIT or every 3 years with DNA stool tests if normal results
A positive result requires a follow-up colonoscopy
DNA-based tests have more false positives than FIT

Bottom Line: Colonoscopy offers the most comprehensive screening and can prevent cancer. Stool-based tests are convenient and non-invasive. Talk to your healthcare provider about which option is right for you.

LEARN MORE

DetecTogether Workplace Wellbeing Program

Add Value Where It Counts—Your Employees' Health

Talk to your Health and Benefits team about becoming a DetecTogether Workplace Wellbeing partner and gain access to:

3 Steps Detect Webinars—Engaging sessions featuring in-depth early detection topics, inspiring guest speakers, and cancer survivor stories.
Self-paced Online Learning—Interactive story-driven modules designed to educate and empower employees at their own pace.
HR Workplace Wellbeing Toolkit—Ready-to-use resources that make it easy for your HR team—Let DetecTogether do the heavy lifting.

LEARN MORE

Meet Erika

"As a Boston nurse, I see too many young patients diagnosed with stage IV cancer—when it's often too late. This must change."

Erika is a DetecTogether Charity Athlete running the Boston Marathon to empower and prepare more people with proven lifesaving 3 Steps Detect.

SUPPORT ERIKA

Nurse, Teacher, & DetecTogether's Early Cancer Detection Champion

As a nurse & teacher, Kathy is on a mission to teach young people the life-saving power of 3 Steps Detect so they understand their role in healthcare and are prepared to recognize early signs and symptoms of cancer and other illnesses. Since 2019, she’s been teaching it to Assabet Valley High School (MA) students—doing her part to reduce late-stage diagnosis in young people.

Her passion extends beyond the classroom—she’s preparing her own daughters with 3 Steps Detect, giving them the knowledge and confidence to recognize health changes and advocate for themselves.

BE AN EARLY DETECTION CHAMPION LIKE KATHY

Events

Join DetecTogether's Gala, Auction & Golf Tournament

The Gala features legendary comedian Jay Leno standing up for DetecTogether's life-saving mission. AND Award-winning news anchor, Vanessa Welch, as our master of ceremonies.

This Sweet 16 milestone event promises to inspire and delight, as we shift early detection into high gear. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of gourmet cuisine, live music, dancing, and the chance to bid on exclusive experiences—all in support of DetecTogether's urgent mission to save lives through early cancer detection.

DetecTogether empowers people with the tools to take charge of their healthcare. Through our simple, proven method—3 Steps Detect—we help people learn how to recognize important health changes, when to act, and how to partner effectively with their doctors to get the answers they need.

COMMIT TO THE EARLY CANCER DETECTION DIFFERENCE

Learn From Others

John Johnson

Colon Cancer, Diagnosed at 35

"Just weeks before my second child was born, thanks to early detection, I got the best possible news: I was cancer-free."

JOHN'S STORY ON THE TODAY SHOW

Your cancer diagnosis experience can help others detect cancer early. Consider sharing it to raise awareness and save lives.

SHARE YOUR STORY

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DONATE

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Westborough, MA 01581
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Westborough, MA | 01581 US

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