DetecTogether FAQs
DetecTogether is a nonprofit organization based in Westborough, Massachusetts, committed to saving lives by teaching people how to recognize early warning signs of cancer—especially those symptoms that are often overlooked. With only about 14% of cancers detected through routine screenings, and early-onset cancers on the rise, it’s more critical than ever for individuals to play an active role in their own health.
DetecTogether empowers people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to trust their instincts, speak up, and seek timely medical attention. By helping individuals recognize subtle but important health changes, DetecTogether turns passive patients into proactive advocates for their own care—ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives.
Founded by Jim and Nancy Coghlin of Coghlin Companies, Inc., in 2008 as 15-40 Connection, and renamed DetecTogether in 2021 to broaden the age demographic, the organization exists to transform how we approach health awareness and early detection, one person and one life at a time. Learn more about us.
DetecTogether’s mission is to save lives by teaching people how to detect cancer and other serious illnesses early, when they are most treatable, and to help them navigate healthcare with confidence.
“3 Steps Detect” is DetecTogether’s evidence-based program designed to teach people how to detect serious health problems early and take action. It consists of three simple, powerful steps:
Know Your Great Health– Become familiar with your everyday, baseline health so you can recognize when something changes.
2-Week Rule – Pay attention to health changes, and if they persist for 2 weeks, it’s time to take action.
Share with Your Doctor – Communicate clearly and confidently with healthcare providers to advocate for your health and get the care you need. Early detection saves lives.
Together, these steps empower individuals to take a proactive approach to their health, improving outcomes through early detection and informed decision-making.
DetecTogether serves a national audience, including firefighters and first responders at a higher occupational risk of cancer, as well as young adult students in high school and college, to build lifelong early detection habits. Additionally, DetecTogether supports communities and workplaces through employee wellness programs, offering in-person, virtual, and online education programs.
Unlike other organizations, DetecTogether focuses on the individual’s role in detecting cancer and serious illnesses early, emphasizing actionable education that empowers people to trust their instincts, notice changes, and collaborate on timely care. DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect program is proactive and patient-focused.
DetecTogether teaches you to spot early warning signs of cancer and take action before it’s too late. DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® roadmap helps you notice health changes, act quickly, and advocate for yourself in today’s challenging healthcare enviroment—because early detection saves lives.
DetecTogether offers customizable presentations, e-learning, and practical resources. You can contact DetecTogether directly to schedule a program or learn how to integrate our tools into your organization.
While early cancer detection is a key focus, the strategies DetecTogether teaches apply to recognizing any serious health condition early.
DetecTogether is headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, and provides education programs nationwide.
DetecTogether is fully funded through individual donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events, such as DetecTogether’s annual Gala, Auction, and Golf Tournament.
You can support DetecTogether by donating, sharing your story to help others, attending an event, following and sharing our organization, volunteering, or bringing our program to your community or organization.
Yes, DetecTogether’s Federal Tax ID/EIN is #26-2873903
DetecTogether’s Federal Tax ID/EIN is #26-2873903
Yes, 15-40 Connection rebranded as DetecTogether in 2021 to reflect an expanded mission beyond the 15–40 age group and a greater emphasis on early detection.
15-40 Connection rebranded as DetecTogether in 2021 to reflect an expanded mission beyond the 15–40 age group and a greater emphasis on early detection.
15-40 Connection rebranded as DetecTogether in 2021 to reflect an expanded mission beyond the 15–40 age group and a greater emphasis on early detection. Learn more about DetecTogether’s history
DetecTogether was founded by Jim and Nancy Coghlin—community leaders, philanthropists, and owners of Coghlin Companies, Inc. Motivated by the loss of their dear friend, Mark Ungerer, and driven by a passion to save lives through early detection, they created nonprofit DetecTogether to fill a critical gap in healthcare education. Baffled that no one was focusing on teaching people how to recognize the early warning signs of cancer and act on them, the Coghlin family founded DetecTogether to develop a clear, actionable roadmap that empowers individuals to notice health changes, speak up, and seek timely medical care.
DetecTogether was founded by the Coghlin family, who also own and operate Coghlin Companies, a fourth-generation, family-run engineering and manufacturing firm based in Massachusetts since 1885. Known for their innovative Time-to-Market Services™, Coghlin Companies helps accelerate product development and commercialization for a wide range of industries. With a deep commitment to meaningful community impact, the Coghlin family established DetecTogether as a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives through early health detection. Coghlin Companies’ key subsidiaries include Columbia Tech, specializing in product development and manufacturing, and Cogmedix, which focuses on the manufacturing of FDA-compliant medical devices.