Interview with Kathleen Koehler, M.D.

• Listen to the Sunday Journal interview from WQRC

Interview with Gary Shapiro, M.D.

• Listen to the Interview from WXTK

Colo-rectal Cancer

Prevention and early treatment are key

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the third most common sites of new cancers. Many are able to be detected early, and in some cases are preventable through screening tests. A screening colonoscopy starting at age 50 for people without any risk factors can detect and remove benign polyps before they become cancerous.

Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure. The scope is connected to a video monitor for better viewing. If a small polyp is found, it can be removed immediately and sent to the lab for further testing. If a larger polyp or tumor is found, or anything abnormal is seen, a biopsy can be taken immediately and sent for testing.

The Endoscopy Center at Cape Cod Hospital has a team of experienced physicians and staff that performs colonoscopies in the safest environment using the most advanced technology.

Colonoscopies are covered by most insurance companies. For more information, please call 1-877-CAPE-COD (1-877-227-3263).

Both Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital are accredited and certified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Its mission is to improve cancer care, survival and quality of life for cancer patients. With this accreditation, patients can be assured they are receiving the latest and best quality cancer care, close to home.

Learn more at www.ccalliance.org.