LVMC Surgeon to Lecture on Colon Cancer Treatment and Prevention

During a free lecture on June 25, Lompoc Health – North H Center’s Dr. William Ganske will combine two of his medical interests -- providing useful information on colon cancer and also educating people about surviving shark attacks.

The Lompoc Hospital District Foundation-sponsored lecture will take place at 6 p.m. at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center in Lompoc, 1120 W. Ocean Ave. It is free, and reservations are not required.

Dr. Ganske will discuss some of the most common diseases of the large intestine, also known as the colon, offering valuable insights into conditions that affect millions of people each year. His presentation will cover a wide range of topics, including up-to-date colon cancer screening recommendations, current treatment approaches for colon cancer, and the latest advances in the prevention and management of common benign colon conditions such as diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Attending this lecture is especially important for individuals interested in understanding how lifestyle, genetics and early detection play critical roles in maintaining colon health. Dr. Ganske will clarify misconceptions, highlight warning signs that should not be ignored, and provide practical guidance on when to seek medical attention.

In addition to speaking about his Internal Medicine specialty, Dr. Ganske will lecture about one of his medical interests – treating patients who were bitten by sharks. Dr. Ganske, who has written a research paper on the subject, will discuss ways to avoid being bitten by sharks. He will advocate that people enroll in a “Stop the Bleed” course to learn hands-on training to stop life-threatening bleeding. The 90-minute courses offered through the American College of Surgeons provides hands-on training to stop bleeding when it occurs following incidents such as a motor vehicle accident.

From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Ganske was a Resident Physician in the Department of Surgery at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. His specialties include hernias, gallbladder and appendix removal, colon surgery, skin cancer removal and breast surgery.

The Foundation is promoting lectures at the DeWees Center every month in conjunction with the city of Lompoc Recreation Division.

On July 23, Lompoc Health – North Third Center’s Dr. Yvonne Wolny will present on “Understanding Menopause.” During her lecture, she will discuss the wide-ranging physical and emotional changes associated with menopause, including the definitions of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause; common myths and misconceptions; diagnosis and monitoring, and more.

On Aug. 20, LVMC Physical Therapist Winnie Bader will lecture on the body’s pelvic floor region. She will discuss the anatomy of the pelvic floor and its interconnection to the body; the different bodily functions that may go awry if the pelvic floor is not in its optimal state; simple lifestyle changes to support a healthy pelvic floor and simple and dynamic exercises to improve pelvic floor health.

Badger received her education in her native Philippines. She has been practicing Physical Therapy for more than 20 years, working with the adult population and treating various musculoskeletal dysfunctions.