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Colorectal & GI Cancer Patient Stories

Everyone has a story. Each of these testimonials tells a real-life story about how our patients are living with their diagnosis with help from the expert clinicians and compassionate staff at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Image of Nicole.
Small Bowel Cancer Patient Story

Noel B.

Noel, 52, was diagnosed with rare duodenal adenocarcinoma after routine blood work and an endoscopy. Read about the comprehensive care she received from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

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Image of Matt with his family.
Colon Cancer Patient Story

Matthew H.

Matthew found out he had colon cancer when he was 39. Read about the comprehensive care he received from UPMC that included multiple surgeries and chemotherapy.

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Image of Peggy with friends.
Rectal Cancer Patient Story

Peggy F.

Peggy was diagnosed with stage II rectal cancer. Read about her cancer treatment journey and experience at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

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Image of Cindy and Doug Cook.
Rectal Cancer Patient Story

Cindy C.

Months after a delayed colonoscopy, Cindy found out she had a 4.9 cm tumor. It was then that she received the recommendation to seek cancer care at UPMC.

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Ryan Cioffi - Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer Patient Story

Ryan C.

It’s because of a colonoscopy and early detection that Ryan is alive and cancer-free today. Read about his cancer treatment journey and experience at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport.

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Betsy Henson – Colon and Liver Cancer
Colon Cancer and Liver Cancer Patient Story

Betsy H.

Betsy suffered from colon cancer and liver cancer while she was pregnant. Read about her cancer treatment journey and experience at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

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Karen Hanno and Family
Appendix Cancer Patient Story

Karen H.

After experiencing lower abdominal pain, Karen sought medical help and was treated with HIPEC.

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Image of Sonnhilde Mullican and Max
Appendix Cancer Patient Story

Sonnhilde M.

Two months after losing her husband to cancer, Sonnhilde was diagnosed as well, but her doctor told her about a specialized surgery at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Read about her treatment journey and experience.

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Image of Kirsten and Gil Shaffer
Appendix Cancer Patient Story

Kirsten S.

What started as a complaint of abdominal bloating during her annual physical exam led to a serious but successful surgery at UPMC Shadyside. Read about Kirsten's cancer treatment journey and experience at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

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Image of Robert Stanfod and his granddaughter, standing at an event.
Appendix Cancer Patient Story

Robert S.

During surgery to repair a hernia, Robert's doctors discovered that the cause called for a referral to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. It was there he was told he had cancer, but a treatment plan could be put in place. Read about Robert's experience.

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Shel Basch in a suit
Gastric Cancer Patient Story

Shel Basch

With family history of esophageal cancer, Shel has always been diligent about getting his routine colonoscopies and endoscopies. In 2021 he was diagnosed with gastric cancer.

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