Newswise — February 4 is World Cancer Day, an opportunity to highlight the fight against cancer. The pathologist’s role is central to a cancer diagnosis, and pathologists around the world are responsible for examining samples to identify cancer cells

Michael J. Misialek, MD, FCAP, is associate chair, Department of Pathology, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and a clinical assistant professor in pathology, Tufts University School of Medicine in Massachusetts. Dr. Misialek is a fellow of the College of American Pathologists and author of his own blog Path Report.

He specializes in prostate, breast, and lung cancer and is available to answer questions about the changing landscape for cancer treatment, including:

• What does the goal of curing cancer entail?• How does the pathologist’s diagnosis pave the way for treatment?• How will precision medicine shape cancer prevention going forward?• Can frequent screenings and early diagnoses reduce the large number of cancer-related deaths?• What are our greatest tools for fighting prostate, breast, and lung cancer?

Pathologists are the physicians who use laboratory medicine to examine cells, tissues, and fluids to identify and diagnose disease, including cancer. They are involved in nearly every aspect of health care and provide the medical interpretation of genetic testing, which is critical to help patients make informed decisions about their health.

About the College of American PathologistsAs the leading organization with more than 18,000 board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine. The CAP’s Laboratory Improvement Programs, initiated 65 years ago, currently has customers in more than 100 countries, accrediting 7,700 laboratories and providing proficiency testing to 22,000 laboratories. Find more information about the CAP at www.cap.org. Follow the CAP on Twitter: @pathologists.