Highlighting Excellence: Dr. Gerald Gantt’s Leadership in Surgery
UI Health is proud to highlight remarkable leaders in surgery like Dr. Gerald Gantt, a surgeon for the Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery. But Dr. Gantt’s passion for patient care extends beyond his skill as a surgeon—he is equally committed to connecting with patients and communities, striving to make a meaningful impact through cancer treatment and research on health disparities.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colon and rectal cancers are often grouped due to their similarities in how they start. The cancer typically begins in polyps, small growths, and can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. It’s the second most common cancer among men and women in the United States.
“It is a preventable disease in some cases and is treatable if detected early,” Dr. Gantt says. “Those with colorectal cancer tend to do fairly well compared to other types of cancers.”
Despite the high success rate of treatment, many people still hesitate to get screened, often due to the stigma surrounding the procedure. Dr. Gantt stresses the importance of overcoming this barrier and getting checked regularly.
“While it is a short-term discomfort, the benefits of prevention and early detection are invaluable – especially nowadays when we are seeing an earlier onset of cancer in the younger population.”
Approach to Educating Patients
Dr. Gantt’s approach to educating patients highlights the value of understanding the unique needs of patients, especially in minority communities.
“There is still residual distrust within the community, so I inform patients that there aren’t any ulterior motives in doing or recommending treatment.”
The importance of building trust in the healthcare system is central to Dr. Gantt’s treatment. “I paint a picture of what the natural history of the disease and treatment might look like for them. I make sure they know my recommendations are what I would tell a family member.”
By ensuring that his patients feel they are being treated respectfully, he creates a foundation where they can openly share concerns, ask questions, and understand the full scope of their cancer journey. This transparent communication is designed to dismantle fears and reassure his patients.
“Another important aspect is establishing what their goals are. Are their goals to live to a certain milestone, like seeing their child or grandchild achieve something? I frame their disease and treatment in the context of their lives.”
This personalized approach recognizes that each patient’s goals and circumstances are different. By acknowledging the individual’s priorities, genetics, and lifestyle, recommendations and treatments are made to not just focus on survival but also on improving the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Gantt emphasizes this unique approach: “A patient’s autonomy should be respected. My job is to not just treat the disease but to also treat the person.”
Alternatives in Health Disparities
Colorectal cancer screenings are essential for early detection, but cultural barriers often prevent many individuals from seeking these life-saving tests. In various communities, there may be stigmas and misconceptions about the importance of screenings. “It’s present in many different cultures but manifested in different ways that we need to overcome,” Dr. Gantt admits. To address these concerns, there are alternative screening methods and educational resources available that can help patients feel more at ease about the topic. “We strive to meet our patients where they are. Our division actively participates in community outreach to raise awareness and dispel misconceptions.”
Diversity in Patient Care
“The patient population we treat here is quite diverse,” Dr. Gantt shares. “Roughly, a third of our patients are white, Hispanic, and Black each.” However, colorectal cancer disproportionately impacts the Black community, with “higher rates of diagnosis and mortality compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.,” according to the American Cancer Society. African Americans often face significant barriers to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment due to systemic racial disparities.
Amidst these challenges, Dr. Gantt works to bridge the gap by studying how colorectal cancer behaves differently across communities. By focusing on translational research, he explores how certain proteins, linked to tumor development, can vary among different racial and ethnic groups. This aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to more effective treatments.
“Looking at the expression of certain proteins in different populations, we can determine the proteins that are associated with tumorigenesis and colorectal cancer.”
The Future of Colorectal Treatment
To Dr. Gantt, the last decade has seen a shift in the conversation around colorectal cancer and screening. The discourse around the once-stigmatic topic has become more frequent due to high-profile figures sharing their battles with the disease. “I think people are more aware and that helps because now they know it can happen to anyone, and it’s worth getting screened. There can now be a public discussion around colorectal cancer as we move forward,” Dr. Gantt explains.
But the focus is not just on opening up the conversation, but also on making treatments more accessible.
Dr. Gantt and his team at the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery have introduced new approaches, like the single-port transanal surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows early-stage rectal cancer to be treated without the need for ostomies or abdominal surgeries. “We’ve been at the forefront of providing novel and surgical techniques for our patients,” he shares.
Your health is in your hands, and it starts with taking the first step. For more information or to schedule a screening, visit our page or call 312.996.7598.