Harry Smith Colonoscopy to Air Live

(CBS)  "Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith is scheduled to have a colonoscopy Wednesday - and the show plans live reports as he undergoes the procedure. Viewers will also learn what Smith had to do to prepare for it.

"CBS Evening News" anchor and Managing Editor Katie Couric plans to be With Smith as he gets ready for and has the colonoscopy at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

The procedure will be performed by Dr. Mark Pochapin.

It will be the first time an anchor has had a colonoscopy live on network television.

Smith and Couric will be recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.

Couric had an on-air colonoscopy in 2000 and afterwards, University of Michigan researchers documented a 20 percent increase in the number of colonoscopies performed across the country. They dubbed it "The Couric Effect."

In addition to following Smith throughout his colonoscopy, viewers will get a tour, conducted by Couric, of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, named in honor of her late husband.

After losing him to colon cancer in 1998, Couric embraced the fight against the disease, becoming a leading advocate. In March 2000, Couric launched the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Lilly Tartikoff to support cutting-edge research and to conduct educational programs encouraging prevention and early detection, through screenings, of this country's second-leading cancer killer. Couric is also a co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer, which raises funds to accelerate groundbreaking research being conducted on various types of cancer by teams of scientists from different institutions.

[D5W911]

Does Katie Couric have a medical degree? Is she medically qualified to handle patients? My question is why was she in the clip this morning wearing a white coat and a stethoscope? As a medical professional I STRONGLY take offence to a news anchor parading around as a medical authority. Katie has been known to stretch the truth, and provide opinion based reporting, and now she is trying to give us the impression she has formal medical training. Katie - get back behind the research desk, and get off the air unless you can provide true and honest reporting. And unless you can tell us what sounds your listening for when you use that thing around your neck, take it off and show medical professionals the respect we deserve.

[4611juniper]

How much did Harry's colonoscopy COST? My last one was $ 4004 and that was 3 years ago. Details of charges available. My insurance co - American Family- dropped me. I can't afford to spend the price of a good used car or 20% of my income on one procedure. What are the UNinsured to do??? Die of Cancerous Polyps? What amount does medicare allow? With NO cost control and being only age 54 it'll probably be over $ 5000 for me. Harry, since you're being so open about this- post The Charges- How much???

[moimoi8]

big deal Harry.....you want to make news invite us home with you after you drink that first liter of movi prep

[heschmi]

How interesting. On the same day I have my first one. However, mine is later in the day. So, I think I'll pass. Maybe I'll record it and watch it later so I can see what I went through since I'll be blissfully sedated and can then laugh at the "prep" work while I'm happily eating once again.

[Fed up with them all]

Just what I need to start the day. Looking up the butt of a TV news man. Is CBS this hard up for a show?

[francescopa]

Wow!What`s next?His ass hole?

[erasmus111]

Oh goodie. I can hardly wait.

[morningnewsfan]

Another reason for The Today show and Good Morning America to Kick your ASS in the Ratings. I am sure they are laughing there heads off right now.

[thecatsmeow5]

I'm having a root canal done Wednesday. I can have that videotaped for your viewing pleasure.

[kenhamlett]

I think it is a great idea. He gets to remind everyone of the dangers and the value early detection. Katie may have started the "on the spot" reporting of the event but Mr. Smith carries on the tradition.
Prevention is the answer but early detection is a good backup plan.