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).