Patricia
Ward, M.S.
First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton,
in conjunction with the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, hosted
a White House event on September 10, 1998 to heighten public awareness
of colorectal cancer and the availability of effective screening.
Ms. Clinton encouraged everyone over the age of 50 to seek regular
screening. This event launched a weeklong series on The Today Show
on NBC entitled "Confronting Colon Cancer."
The show's host, Katie Couric, interviewed
experts in the field of colon cancer treatment and prevention in
an effort to educate the public about the third most common cancer
in the United States. Couric's guests provided detailed information
on a broad range of topics. Overall this thorough series offered
information to dispel common misconceptions about colon and rectal
cancer, suggested approaches to promote a healthier lifestyle, and
clarified guidelines for colorectal cancer screening.
Bert Vogelstein, M.D., from Baltimore's
Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, whose research has contributed significantly
to our understanding of the genetics of colorectal cancer, gave
a concise overview of the current knowledge of inherited and familial
syndromes involving colon and rectal cancer. Dr. Randall Burt, professor
of medicine from the University of Utah, addressed the significance
of family history of colon cancer in assessing an individual's cancer
risk and particularly in considering the optimal screening plan
and the option of genetic testing.
A synopsis of this informative The
Today Show series can be found at the NBC website at (http://www.msnbc.com/news/todaycoloncancer_front.asp).
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