Decades after colorectal cancer treatment, taking time to reflect

It took some begging from his daughters for Frank Korfmann to finally get a physical. And—when he did—he was surprised to learn that he wouldn’t get away with a clean bill of health.

Korfmann was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Faced with an unexpected and frightening diagnosis, he turned to others he trusted for treatment recommendations. A friend suggested Gerald Marks, MD, a Philadelphia-based colorectal surgeon, who was offering treatment with the promise of no colostomy bag. Decades after his treatment, Korfmann sits down with Dr. Marks to reflect on his care—and their friendship.