Look Who it Was Random video

It Takes a Team to Treat Rectal Cancer

625 views · Published 11 October 2015 · 2:04 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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When he was diagnosed with rectal cancer late last year, Ken Lemme wasn’t braced for the whirlwind of activity.

“During the procedure they had found a large mass. I wasn't able to finish the colonoscopy and from that point sent me for a CAT scan and then after the CAT scan sent me to a colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gaw, and from there to radiology and then from there to oncologist,” says Lemme. 

Grouped under the umbrella term ‘colorectal cancer,’ cancer in the rectum often requires a different approach than treating colon cancer. 

“Once we know what the stage is, if they need chemo and radiation then we prefer to get them up front. They get the chemo/radiation, we wait for six weeks, then we do the surgery and after that then they get more chemo,” says Dr. Janette Gaw, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System. 

It takes an orchestrated effort to address disease in the lower GI tract. Because tumors are often inside the pelvic structure, chemo and radiation are used to shrink the mass before removing it. So each level of treatment depends on the others.

“In our community we’re very fortunate, we have a very, very good relationship with gastroenterologist, the oncologist and the radiation oncologist. We coordinate the care very quickly so that people can get seen, evaluated, and a plan is made amongst the team and then we move on with the plan,” says Dr. Gaw. 

Research evaluated outcomes and found the coordinated approach leads to a better prognosis.

“It definitely enhances the outcome, that has been proven. A team that works together makes your outcome better,” says Dr. Gaw. 

With a team behind him, Ken finished treatment, is back at work and getting on with life.

“It’s a weight off of my shoulder. I was lucky enough to get it early enough and to be able to move on,” says Lemme. 


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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