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3 questions for Brett Ruffo, MD
The chief of colon and rectal surgery at Peconic Bay Medical Center shares his plans for the colorectal surgery program and why screening is so important
For Brett Ruffo, MD, raising awareness about colorectal cancer screening is personal. As the chief of colon and rectal surgery at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC), he has dedicated his career to helping people prevent or catch this disease early. In a recent interview for Connections magazine, Dr. Ruffo explained how colorectal cancer impacted his family, the importance of screenings like colonoscopy, and the priorities for the program at PBMC in diagnosing and treating diseases of the digestive system.
Q: Why did you become a colorectal surgeon, and what are the joys and challenges of your profession?
I was a medical student when my father was diagnosed with rectal cancer. It developed into advanced stage cancer and, unfortunately, he passed away. This motivated me to specialize in colorectal surgery. But as much as I like being able to help people and treat them for colorectal cancer, it’s challenging to see yet another person with this type of cancer, and to watch colorectal cancer rates go up, especially in people younger than age 50. There is so much we can do to treat colorectal cancer now, but we also need more focus on prevention.
Q: What are the most exciting developments in your department?
We’re using robotic surgery for minimally invasive colorectal surgeries and are growing that part of our program. We have expertise treating colorectal cancers and other digestive diseases and can surgically treat the vast majority of colorectal diseases right here without patients needing to travel for their care.
We’re also focusing on pelvic floor dysfunction — when pelvic floor muscles don’t relax as they should — which is an area that often gets overlooked. Patients sometimes feel embarrassed about the symptoms of this condition — constipation, fecal incontinence and hemorrhoids — but it’s very important that they come and see us because there’s so much we can do to help them.
Q: What do people need to know about colorectal screening and prevention?
Screenings and other aspects of prevention are a big part of our practice. The majority of colorectal cancers don’t have any symptoms, so screening is especially important. Of course, if anyone notices a change in bowel movements, blood in the stool or anything else that’s concerning, they should get evaluated.
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