NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society, the nation’s leading voluntary health agency, today announced the appointment of Somnia President and Chief Executive Officer, Marc E. Koch, MD, MBA, to its regional board of advisors for Westchester County, New York. Dr. Koch is a board certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician and brings with him years of experience in the areas of improved detection methods for colon cancer. Because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in New York State and the United States for men and women combined, Koch has recently focused on the role anesthesia plays in the detection of colonic polyps and has championed the cause of improving detection rates by promoting pain-free colonoscopy screenings.
“Most people put off scheduling a colonoscopy because they are afraid it will be uncomfortable, even if they understand the importance of screening,” stated Koch. “With improved detection methods and fast acting anesthetics, that shouldn’t be a concern for patients anymore. As a physician and an individual who has witnessed the devastation caused by this disease, I am honored to be a part of such an exuberant and dedicated group of volunteers like the American Cancer Society.”
Rick Lepkowski, regional vice president for the American Cancer Society in Westchester, said, “We are delighted to have Dr. Koch join our board of advisors. His efforts to ease the pain and concerns of patients undergoing colonoscopies will help increase screening rates and ultimately save lives. This year, 600 men and women in Westchester County will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and 200 people will die from it. That’s 200 people too many, and the more we can do to stop colon cancer before it starts, the better.”
About Marc E. Koch, MD, MBA,
Dr. Marc Koch earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the Yale University School of Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and certified by the American Board of Pain Medicine. In 2001, he earned his MBA in Marketing and Finance from Fordham University.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout NY and NJ. For 24-hour cancer information, the public can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/.
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Marc E. Koch, MD, MBA
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American Cancer Society
CONTACT: Anthony Guglielmi, Director of Corporate Communications,1-877-476-6642, Ext 3531, Pager: 1-877-405-5088, for The American CancerSociety
Web site: http://www.cancer.org/