Couric: "Get Over" Embarrassment

Remains In Forefront, Urging Colon Cancer Screenings

(CBS)  Katie Couric has led efforts to make the public aware of the importance of colon cancer screenings ever since her husband, Jay Monahan, died from the disease in 1998.

Simply put, early detection is saving lives.

The CBS Evening News anchor continued her efforts as The Early Show and her broadcast kicked off a special, five-part series, "Conquering Colon Cancer."

On The Early Show Wednesday, Couric stressed (video) to co-anchor Harry Smith that people need to "get over" any embarrassment they associate with colonoscopies, and undergo the test considered the gold standard in colon cancer detection.

Smith told Couric his own, first colonoscopy was over so quickly, he didn't even have time to watch it on a monitor, as he had intended to!

March happens to be Colon Cancer Awareness month.

According to the American College of Gastronterology, "Colorectal cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States, affecting men and women equally. The American Cancer Society estimates 153,760 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and 52,180 will die from the disease."

It's curable 90 percent of the time when detected early.

Physicians recommend that you start getting screened at age 50, and earlier under certain circumstances.

Couric is a founder of the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), whose Web site says "is dedicated to the eradication of colorectal cancer by promoting the importance of early medical screening and funding research to develop better tests, treatments, and ultimately a cure."

In March 2000, Couric got a colonoscopy -- on the air. She went through every step of the procedure in a now-famous segment that aired on "The Today Show." Experts say her honest portrayal of the process and her feelings about it did wonders to persuade people that they, too, should get screened.

"I just knew so many people were in the dark when it came to colonoscopies," Couric explained to Smith. "They had never heard of a colonoscopy. They didn't really know what it entailed. And I thought, if I could remove some of the stigma, and show people the procedure is really quite easy, and it's a lot easier than a diagnosis of colon cancer. … There is so much misinformation, quite frankly, ignorance out there that I thought I could really shed some light.

" … I always say, I don't want anyone to die of embarrassment. And, you know, basically – get over it!"

There's been an increase in the number of people who've been screened for colon cancer since Couric's procedure aired, and that's been dubbed "the Couric effect." One study even said "the Couric effect" resulted in a continuing 20 percent increase in screenings.

With screening and early detection, many of these deaths are preventable.

Couric is hardly the only celebrity pushing colon cancer awareness.

The NCCRA and the CDC have joined forces in a public service announcement campaign entitled "Screen for Life." It's designed to inform men and women over 50 that it's critically important to to have regular colorectal screening tests. Among the participating celebs: Diane Keaton, Morgan Freeman, Dennis Quaid, and Ray Romano.

The newest PSA features actor Jimmy Smits, who explains why screening for colorectal cancer is important and how getting screened can help prevent the disease. He says, "I've been screened. Now it's your turn."

Most colon cancers result from polyps -- abnormal growths in the colon. When detected, the polyps can be removed before they develop into cancer. Screening tests can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

The test most often recommended to screen for colorectal cancer is the colonoscopy. It's generally recommended that you start getting the test at age 50 and repeat it every 10 years, more frequently if you have had colon polyps of colon cancer previously. Those with a family history of the disease should begin colonoscopies at 40 years old, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

One impediment is that some insurance companies refuse to cover the cost of a colonoscopy, putting it financially out of reach for many individuals. Colonoscopies typically range between $600 and $3000, which includes both the physician's fee and the facility fee.

Twenty-one states have passed legislation requiring insurance companies to cover the test, and the push is on to get more states on board.

[njacobik]

I finally had a colonoscopy at 52. The procedure was painless and very discreet. I will gladly have it repeated three years from now since a polyp was found and removed. It was benign, thankfully. In December, my 82 year old mother was found to have colon cancer and had to have a colostomy. This after she had a mastectomy in November. A PET scan after her mastectomy revealed the very large cancerous tumor growing in her colon. She is leaving the rehab facility on Monday, March 19. She is the staff's and her family's inspiration since she somehow found the strength to survive and thrive, all while learning to participate in her ostomy care. Now she faces radiation and chemo. She never had a mammography nor a colonoscopy. She is still my hero, all my love Mom and our continued support.

[MIpapaof4]

Great work Katy. My father died of colon cancer 30 years ago. I started to have colonoscopies many years ago. So far the doctors have removed eleven polyps over the years. I truely believe that if I hadn't had these tests, I would probably be dead by now. You have to get checked at age 50 and over. Do it now, it just might save your life. It did mine!

[michellem99-2009]

I am glad that Katie addresses this. I like Katie's news stories. The young kids come up with the dumb sayings today. Get over it. If the young want to tell us older people and Katie being 50 is is the same age group as I. In my day we would never told an older person this. I have heard her talk about this on TV.Katie telling us about health issues we have learnt something that thru her news casts we are made aware of. There are things we didn't talk about years ago but it kept us in the dark and most were health and well being that we can better take of our mind and body. Us poor old and young can learn alot. Thanks.

[jetlizhan]

the procedure is a piece of cake - it's the alternative if you DON'T have it that's hell.

[navywife75]

My husband is not yet 30 and is currently battling colon cancer. It was discovered becausse of a colonoscopy. I would have never thought that his symptoms might be colon cancer if it were not for Katie Couric. But because of her I knew symptoms and encouraged (Ok nagged) him to go get checked. Thankfully it was caught early and his outlook is good.

[misty2live]

I was 40 years old when I found out I had colon cancer later determined it was stage 4. It's been very difficult going through 3 surgeries and 6 months of Chemo but I am here due to grace of God. I had many symptoms 2years prior to the diagnose but my primary doctor ignor my complaints I guess because I was still in 30s. Only by God's grace and very inquisitive young doctor, I am here today and in very good health. Please listen to your body and be persistant when it comes to your health! Best wishes to all of you who are going through difficult time with cancer!

[arabella9]

My father died of colon cancer at the age of 42 years old. He went into the hospital for appendicitis. My sister died for colon cancer at the age of 26 she was diagnosed at first with hemorrhoids. My brother who is now 52 years old was diagnosed with colon cancer 10 years ago and uses a colonoscopy bag. It was determined with a family history of colon cancer that colononscopy be done every year with the remaining siblings. I skipped two years of not going to get an colonscopy. When I went in 2006 I was diagnosed with a tumor in the ascending colon which was cancerous. I had apart of of the ascending colon removed and did not have to wear a bag. When I tell people about the colon cancer they asked what were the symptoms there were none, I felt fine. I went for a colonoscopy this year and a polyp was removed. I am trying to get my two sisters and one brother to go and get colonoscopy done, but so far to no avail. At present I have a 2cm cyst on my thyroid in which I had a biopsy done and I am waiting for the results. Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

[rcpilot3]

Katie, I love you! You are the greatest and God bless you for ALL you do but especially making people aware of colon cancer and how easy it is to be tested. My family suffered a great loss by losing a very dear member who was only 27 years old to colon cancer. We still miss her and her little girl will grow up without a Mother all because her doctors didn't connect her symptoms. Perhaps her age but she did have a family history. It is a terrible thing. I am so glad there is more awareness now....it is silly to die of being afraid. Thank you

[taschilling]

Katie, your story on the early show got my attention. I was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 years ago at age 50. I had no history of any type of cancer in my family and as colon cancer is was asymptomatic. The cancer was discovered 3 days after Christmas of 2004 because I had an ovarian cyst that was causing me pain. Christmas was on a Saturday so I had to wait until Monday to see my OB-GYN. Unfortunately, his office was closed that Monday as an extra day for the holiday. I decided to go to my family physician who thought it might be my appendix. He ordered a CAT Scan and found that I had 3rd Stage Colon Cancer. I had surgery in January of 2005. The doctors removed my ascending colon, along with 19 lymph nodes, five of which were affected. My OB-GYN also removed my right ovary. I only took 6 weeks of chemotherapy because it began to ulcerate my intestinal tract. I am now two years cancer free. If I had not had an ovarian cyst, they would have never found the cancer. I know now that God was watching out for me and I know that every day I have is a gift. I have wanted to try and become a spokesperson or advocate to educate people on colon cancer, as you did this morning, but I'm not sure where to begin. I do not have an education in public speaking, nor do I "know people" who could get me started. I do however, have the knowledge and experience with colon cancer. I would welcome any suggestions you may have to get me started with educating and helping others.

[ndanna1]

Katie, I am a young 70 year old woman who have never had a colon cancer screening. The actual test does not frighten me BUT why isn't anything reported about what a person has to endure the day before??? I would like to see an actual segment on someone preparing for a colon screening.

ndanna1

[srsara]

It's indisputable that the colonoscopy is the gold standard of screening and I think it's fantastic that Katie and others are encouraging the public to get over their embarrassment. However, the reality is that the data shows that people, particularly average risk, are not being screened. This is a great concern because the only way to prevent the disease is to detect it. The public needs to be made aware of other more palatable screening options. Obviously if cancer is detected, then colonoscopy is required. One screening test that holds great promise is the DNA stool test as it is non-invasive, requires no prep and has an 88% sensitivity rate of detecting colon cancer at any stage and at any location in the colon (the most accurate alternative to the colonoscopy). The test is not widely recommended yet as it is not "officially" in the Cancer Society guidelines. Hopefully, it will be. The more screening options, the more likely one will be screened. And it is said that "the best test is the one that gets done!"
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/552234

[srsara]

This is a comment back to TASchilling who wrote about wanting to become more involved in educating people about colon cancer. I got interested in the subject and have made getting more screening options my "cause." You can definitely have an impact. Go to the various websites of the major colon cancer organizations - Katie's Entertainment Industry Foundation has a great list under resources & links. Many of the sites have colon cancer online "communities" where you can help answer questions and make comments. There are also tool kits available that you could take to work or other public places. There are "blogs" you can write on the subject. Spend some time on the web and you'll find a way to make an impact. Good Luck.

[gilsonjim]

colon cancer survivor handles diagnosis and surgery with humor. Jim Gilson's "after death experience" bit on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU3dK_arNGY

cheers,
jim gilson
678-849-6145

[cca-la]

I was 43, a vegetarian, ran 3 days a week, took karate classes 3-4 days a week, (in the middle of my blackbelt test)& tanned - the picture of perfect health, under 50 with no family history of colon cancer. Yet after complaining to several doctors of blood in my stool and difficulty to empty my colon FOR 3 YEARS, a nurse who's father had gone through colon cancer ordered a colonoscopy - I had a 6cm mass in my colon. I had stage 3 colorectal cancer. I was angry - I had barely heard of the disease.
My journey took me through chemo, radiation, surgery followed by another 6 months of chemo - which could have been avoided had I been screened when the symptoms first appeared.I was declared in remission this past July.
My frustration with the general belief that this disease only strikes those over 50 has caused me to raise my voice - I became involved with the Colon Cancer Alliance to help raise awareness and share my story. The public needs to know that this even strikes people in their teens and should be aware of the subtle symptoms that can raise a red flag. Those with a family history of colon cancer should start getting screened at 40. I was disappointed that you chose to only feature someone who fits the general "profile" - no one is immune to the disease. I hope there's a follow up feature with younger patients and survivors.

[taschilling]

To "ndanna1". I agree, the test is not so scary, but the prep is definitely NOT pleasant. The day before the procedure, you will take a preparation, and spend the better part of that day emptying your bowls. You will be on a liquid diet, however nothing red or purple as this can show up as blood during the test. Usually, by 10-11 p.m. the trips to the bathroom subside and you should be able to get a good nights sleep. Contrary to the "instructions" given on today's segment of The Early Show. You do NOT need to drink a "gallon" of prep. Any drug store should carry a product called "Phospho-Soda". It is unpleasant and tastes very salty, but you only need to drink about 3 oz. It works very well. Although the prep is unpleasant, it's worth all the discomfort as it can ultimately save your life. In a recent follow up, I was told about a new procedure in which they can prep you on the day of the test by extracting the contents of your bowel, then flushing it. This is all done just prior to the procedure and is painless. I also believe that age 40 would be best to begin testing. There are many people under 50 who have died or suffered from this dreadful disease. I hope I didn't gross anyone out, but for "ndanna1" who asked for a segment on the prep, I would think a description would be better than a visual. God's blessings to all of the survivors who have endured the surgery, treatment and aftermath of this silent killer, and to all of you who have not, PLEASE......GET TESTED.

[aprilroz]

Why can't they come up with a much better tasting liquid to drink the day before. Better yet something other then a drink. How come no one speaks of that.

[tereschs]

Katie Couric's "pretty pretty colon" was the inspiration of a lifetime. After watching a segment in the summer of 2006 where Katie discussed the risk reduction for colon cancer with the use of a routine colonoscopy, I felt inspired to request this test at my upcoming annual health exam. As a Canadian, I did'nt have the excuse that the cost was preventing me from having it done. Suprisingly, despite the fact that it is covered by our provincial health plans, many Canadians do not have screening done. Fecal occult blood tests are the standard first line approach, but this test is very inconclusive and should not be considered the gold standard to screen for colon cancer. Bottom line- get the colonoscopy done. I did and they found a polyp which showed adenocarcinoma. Shocking in a 42 year old health guru with no history or risk factors. In fact, I am a health educator that counsels patients on diet management! Currently, I am @home recovering from colon resection surgery. I thank my lucky stars that I watched Katies segment. Thank you Katie and keep spreading the word.

[aprilroz]

TASCHILLING thanks 4 all that good info.