Prominent Local Surgeon Discovers Cancer Before His 59th Birthday

UVA Health colorectal surgeon Dr. Charles Friel was diagnosed with colorectal cancer right before this 59th birthday.

His diagnosis came after he had realized he was due for a routine colonoscopy, and received the news, and quickly released he would soon be a patient under the doctors he worked alongside every day.

Dr. Friel says that through his treatment process he was able to work with doctors from the other side and find the best plan for him to beat the cancer.

At that time, Dr. Friel says he learned from his perspective as a patient how vital a patient’s input can be.

“Right from the beginning I talked to Dr. [Traci] Hedrick about this, and I said, Listen, like I understand that you know this might be the right answer. But it’s not the right answer for me,” Dr. Friel said. “We took a different approach, and I think it will lead to a better quality of life for me, and that was important for me. So, I think, as a patient, it’s really important to recognize that you are part of the process.”

From an interview on 3/13/2025.