Dr. Francisco Contreras

Colorectal Cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. About 147,000 people were diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2009 with an estimated 50,000 dying from the disease. Dr. Francisco Contreras of Oasis of Hope Medical Group champions an approach to fighting cancer that focuses on the overall health of the patient instead of just eradicating the tumor. He also believes in a preventive approach that emphasizes eating a healthy diet, rather than processed foods, and exercise. Dr. Contreras joins the show.

Dr. Francisco Contreras serves as director, president and chairman of the Oasis of Hope Hospital. A distinguished oncologist and surgeon, Contreras is renowned for combining conventional and alternative medical treatments with emotional and spiritual support to provide patients with the most positive treatment experience possible.

Oasis of Hope was founded by Contreras’ father, Dr. Ernesto Contreras Sr., in 1963, and since then the hospital has provided integrative cancer treatment for more than 100,000 patients. As director, Contreras continues the practice of his father’s two fundamental principles – do no harm and treat the patient as yourself. Today, Contreras oversees the treatment of 800 cancer patients annually.

After graduating with honors from medical school at the Autonomous University of Mexico in Toluca, Contreras studied alternative therapy at the Oasis of Hope Hospital. He then completed his specialty in surgical oncology at the University of Vienna in Austria, where he also graduated with honors. Contreras has authored and co-authored several books concerning integrative therapy, cancer and heart disease prevention and chronic illness, including “The Hope of Living Cancer Free,” “The Hope of Living Long and Well,” “Fighting Cancer 20 Different Ways” and “Dismantling Cancer.” His newest book with co-author Daniel E. Kennedy is “Hope, Medicine & Healing.”

Dr. Derrick DeSilva

3 / 16 / 2010