Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
286412496
label
Cancer
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
286412496
contentType
document
title
Cancer
citationUrl
collections
Records of the First Lady's Office (Clinton Administration)
Alison (Lissa) Muscatine's Press Office Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
286412496
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
18558021-20150275S-073-001-2023
Subject Files
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
726b0aef80e55a8c
ocrText
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
White House
Event on
New Efforts
to Promote
Colon Cancer
Prevention
September 10, 1998
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON HOSTS WHITE HOUSE EVENT TO
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
PROMOTE PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION OF
COLORECTAL CANCER
Member Organizations:
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
First Lady Joins National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable In Urging
Alliance of Community
Americans Over 50 to Get Tested
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
American College of
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Today at the White House, First
Gastroenterology
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Physicians
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American College of Radiology
early detection of the disease. Joining Mrs. Clinton at the event were
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala,
American Gastroenterological
co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show Katie Couric, National Colorectal Cancer
Association
Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, and Good Housekeeping Editor-in-
American Medical Association
Chief Ellen Levine. More than 50,000 Americans die each year from
American Medical
colorectal cancer, which is preventable and even curable when detected early.
Women's Association
Men and women over the age of 50 are at risk for developing this disease.
American Society of Colon
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
In urging age 50 and older Americans to be screened for colorectal cancer,
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Mrs. Clinton said, "You can prevent colon cancer, even beat it. In fact, if
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
Promotion and Public Health
survival." Dr. Levin, echoing Mrs. Clinton's comments, said, "widespread
Education
Digestive Diseases
screening for colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate from this killer by
National Coalition
over 50 percent. There is no other disease about which we can make this
Collaborative Group of the
claim."
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
To underscore their efforts, Mrs. Clinton, who at the event was made
Cancer Center
Honorary Chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, unveiled
National Cancer Institute
survey results and several new initiatives to help spread the word about the
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Results of National Survey
Results of a national colorectal cancer awareness survey, commissioned by the Roundtable (a
coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations) and
conducted by the Gallup Organization, were released at the White House event (see news release
on survey results). The survey found that nearly 50 percent of people over age 50 - the age
group considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer - have never been screened for
the disease. Of those people, most reported that no medical professional had ever recommended
a screening test for colorectal cancer.
Public Service Announcements
Dr. Levin unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, sponsored by the
Roundtable and featuring the First Lady. In the television, print, and radio PSAs, shown during
the event, Mrs. Clinton urges all Americans over the age of 50 to be screened for colorectal
cancer, a test that could save their lives. The print PSA will appear in the January issue of Good
Housekeeping.
The PSAs will be distributed nationally via satellite broadcast and mailings to public service
directors across the country. The PSAs also will receive additional distribution and visibility
through the grassroots efforts of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable members (see
Roundtable fact sheet for list of members).
Colorectal Cancer Chat Room
As a member of the Roundtable, the American Digestive Health FoundationˢM's Digestive
Health Initiative debuted its Internet chat room on colorectal cancer located at
www.gastro.org/adhf.html. This public to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal
cancer patients, family members, survivors, and people at high risk for the disease to engage in
live, real time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal cancer.
Each month, the chat room will feature a guest expert, beginning with actress and colorectal
cancer survivor Barbara Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the
1997 book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. On September 11th, from
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EDT, Ms. Barrie will appear in the chat room live to discuss her personal
experience as a colorectal cancer survivor. In addition, Ms. Barrie will respond to questions
posted on the chat room's message board during the month of September.
Private Sector Partnerships
In its efforts to spread the word about the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early
detection, the Roundtable sought and secured partnerships with members of private industry,
which were announced at the White House event. In her remarks, Mrs. Clinton recognized the
following companies for the activities they will undertake to raise awareness about the
importance of colon cancer prevention and screening among their employees and customers (see
Private Sector Partnerships fact sheet for details on individual company activities):
American Airlines
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.
Bristol Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Eli Lilly and Company
General Motors Corporation
Kellogg Company
National Association of Chain Drugstores
Olympus America Inc.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
###
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
SURVEY SHOWS NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS AT RISK FOR
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
COLON CANCER ARE NOT BEING SCREENED
Member Organizations
Large Number Report That Physicians Are Not Recommending Tests
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Survey results released today at
Health Plans
a White House event on new efforts to promote colorectal cancer prevention
American Academy of
Family Physicians
reveal that nearly half of all adults aged 50 and older -the age group
American College of
considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer -have not been
Gastroenterology
screened for the disease. The White House event was hosted by First Lady
American College of Physicians
Hillary Rodham Clinton, who announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Radiology
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American Digestive
Health Foundation
early detection of the disease. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer,
American Gastroenterological
kills more than 50,000 Americans each year, even though it is preventable and
Association
curable when detected early.
American Medical Association
American Medical
Women's Association
The survey, conducted for the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable by the
American Society of Colon
Gallup Organization, underscores the need for new national initiatives
and Rectal Surgeons
promoting colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. One of the most
American Society for
alarming findings is that most of the 47 percent of people over 50 not being
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
screened for colorectal cancer reported that no medical professional had ever
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
recommended screening.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
"Physicians must make testing for colorectal cancer a part of their medical
National Coalition
practices," said Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, vice president for
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "I have
Cancer
spent too much of my professional career delivering bad news to people
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
whose lives and health could have been saved if they had been screened for
Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
this preventable disease."
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
Although colorectal cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men and
STOP Colorectal Cancer
women, the survey found that women aged 50 and older are less likely than
Foundation
men in this same age group to undergo screening (49 percent of women
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
reported not having been screened versus 36 percent of men). Dramatic
University of Texas
differences were also seen between whites and non-whites. Among survey
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
respondents, 44 percent of whites reported not having had any of the three tests - fecal occult
blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium x-ray - compared to 56 percent of non-whites.
The majority of adults surveyed seem to believe that early detection can save lives; however,
when asked what they could do to help prevent colorectal cancer, fewer than half cited regular
screening tests. Even fewer mentioned dietary changes, such as eating a high-fiber diet (21
percent), or general references to diet (20 percent). A sizable minority (22 percent) could not
name anything a person might do to help prevent colorectal cancer.
Asked to estimate their own chances for developing colorectal cancer, one in five adults (20
percent) believe they are very likely to develop cancer of the colon or rectum. Another 35
percent say it is somewhat likely they will develop the disease. A small proportion - one
percent - reported they already have colon or rectal cancer. Sixteen percent could not estimate
their chances of getting colorectal cancer.
The Gallup Organization conducted telephone interviews from August 11 through August 23,
1998, with a national sample of 1,062 adults aged 50 or older, to examine the knowledge and
experience of adults with testing for colorectal cancer.
###
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and
voluntary organizations committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The Facts About Colorectal Cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Almost all cases of colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer,
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
begin with the development of benign colonic polyps.
Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an
Member Organizations
unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
These polyps can be cancerous, invading the colon wall and surrounding
Alliance of Community
blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body.
Health Plans
American Academy of
Colorectal cancer frequently begins without symptoms.
Family Physicians
American College of
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, but the disease
American College of Radiology
appears to be caused by both inherited and lifestyle factors.
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables - such as those that
American Gastroenterological
include red meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy products - may increase
Association
the risk of colorectal cancer.
American Medical Association
Lifestyle factors -such as cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and
American Medical
Women's Association
obesity - also may increase the risk of developing the disease.
American Society of Colon
Genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to the disease,
and Rectal Surgeons
whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine which at-risk
American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
individuals actually go on to develop the disease.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
How Common is Colorectal Cancer?
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States,
and the third most common cancer overall.
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
This year, more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
and approximately 131,600 new cases will be diagnosed.
Cancer Center
Eighty to 90 million Americans (approximately 25 percent of the US
National Cancer Institute
population) are considered at risk because of age or other factors.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
More women over the age of 75 die from colorectal cancer than from
STOP Colorectal Cancer
breast cancer.
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Who Is At Risk?
Men and women aged 50 and older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) are at
high risk of developing the disease.
Anyone who has a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
or Crohn's disease, is also at high risk.
Although the incidence of colorectal cancer appears to be the same among all racial groups,
survival rates seem to be lower for African-Americans.
How Can You Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
Know your family history.
See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are aged 50 or older.
Maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Exercise regularly.
Prevent obesity.
Avoid cigarette smoking.
What You Need To Know
...
Early detection saves lives - colorectal cancer is preventable, even curable when detected
early.
If colorectal cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
survival.
Colorectal cancer screenings are safe and effective and are now covered by Medicare and an
increasing number of other health providers.
Several screening methods can be used to detect polyps before they become cancerous, such
as fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium x-ray. These
tests also can detect cancer in its early stages.
###
BERNARD LEVIN, MD
Gastroenterologist
Bernard Levin, MD, currently is professor of medicine and vice president for cancer prevention
at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Prior to his fourteen
years at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Levin was associate professor of medicine and attending physician
at University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics.
For the American Digestive Health FoundationˢM (ADHFSM), Dr. Levin serves as co-chair of the
Digestive Health Initiative® Colorectal Cancer Education Campaign. He also is chair of the
American Cancer Society's National Advisory Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and recently
was appointed as chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
Affiliated with a number of professional organizations, Dr. Levin is a member of the American
Gastroenterological Association and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He
participates as a consultant to the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Levin has written extensively for distinguished medical publications including Journal of the
National Cancer Institute, Gastroenterology, the International Journal of Cancer, Cancer and
Science.
A graduate of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Levin
completed fellowships in gastroenterology and biochemistry in pathology at the University of
Chicago.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON PROMOTES
COLON CANCER AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
September 10, 1998
Today, at the White House, the First Lady will announce a series of initiatives to raise
awareness about colon cancer. She will announce a new research grant to fight colon cancer,
release a survey reporting that many Americans do not receive appropriate screening for this
disease, unveil a new public service announcement to promote prevention, and announce new
public and private sector partnerships to raise awareness. The First Lady will be joined by Katie
Couric, NBC "Today Show" Anchor; Ellen Levine, Editor-in-Chief of "Good Housekeeping"
Magazine; Dr. Bernard Levin, a colon cancer specialist and chair of the National Colorectal
Cancer Roundtable; and Secretary Shalala.
Colon Cancer - A Preventable Killer. Colon cancer is the number one non-tobacco-related
cancer killer, with more than 50,000 Americans dying each year from the disease. For both men
and women, it is the third most common cancer, and 130,000 Americans contract the disease
each year. Men and women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing colorectal
cancer. However, it is preventable and curable when detected early; in fact, a patient whose
cancer is detected early has more than a 90 percent chance of survival. Raising awareness about
colon cancer and the importance of screening can save lives.
New Grant to Fund Colon Cancer Research. The First Lady will announce a new $8 million
grant by the National Institutes of Health to the Seattle Gastrointestinal Program Project for
research aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating colon cancer. The grant will help scientists
better determine who is at risk for colon cancer and will test new strategies to reduce their cancer
risk. The grant will also be used to develop more sensitive and precise ways of screening colon
cancer than those available today.
New Survey Demonstrates Need for Greater Need for Colon Cancer Awareness. The First
Lady will release a survey finding that nearly 50 percent of men and women over the age of 50
of those at highest risk for colon cancer have never been screened. Forty-seven percent of
those not tested reported that no medical professional had ever recommended that they be
screened for colon cancer. Although colon cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men
and women over the age of 50, 49 percent of women reported not having been screened
compared to 36 percent of men. Dramatic differences were also present between whites and non-
whites. Forty-four percent of whites reported not having taken any of the three tests used for
screening, as opposed to 56 percent of non-whites. While most of the adults surveyed believed
that early detection could save lives, few were aware that screening and dietary changes could
help prevent the onset of colorectal cancer. This national survey was conducted by the Gallup
Organization.
A New Media Campaign: With its October issue, "Good Housekeeping" Magazine is initiating
a year-long colon cancer awareness campaign. The October issue will contain a major medical
report on what women can do to protect themselves from colon cancer. In addition, NBC's
"Today Show" will present a week-long in-depth series, "Confronting Colon Cancer," that will
offer a comprehensive look at this preventable disease.
New Partnership Between Public and Private Sector. The First Lady will also announce the
creation of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable -- unprecedented private and public sector
partnership to promote greater awareness of colon cancer. Group members include the Centers
for Disease Control, the American Cancer Society, the American Digestive Health Foundation.
Raising Awareness through a New Public Service Announcement. A new public service
announcement featuring the First Lady will be unveiled urging all Americans over the age of 50
to be screened for colorectal cancer. NBC will air the PSA, and the print version will appear in
the January issue of Good Housekeeping. The PSA will also be distributed nationally.
New Internet Site to Answer Questions on Colon Cancer. The First Lady will also announce
a new Internet chatroom that will allow consumers, patients, family members, survivors, and
people at high risk for the disease to engage in live discussions of issues relating to colorectal
cancer. Doctors and other experts will be available on line to answer questions about this
disease. The website address is www.gastro.org/adhf.html and it will be sponsored by the
American Digestive Health Foundation, a member of the Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
New Private Sector Commitments to Raise Awareness: The First Lady will also announce
new private sector commitments to promote colon cancer awareness, by bringing attention to the
importance of prevention and early detection. Commitments include:
American Airlines will publish the public service announcement on colon cancer in its in-
flight magazine, where it may reach approximately two million travelers in the U.S. and
abroad.
The Kellogg Company USA will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection by
printing public service messages on five million packages of All Bran and Bran Buds cereal
boxes.
American Greetings will create an insert for prescriptions that promotes prevention and early
detection of colorectal cancer. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores will distribute
the insert to all of its pharmacies and pharmacists.
Bristol-Meyers Squibb Oncology has provided a $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that it will initiate at
all of its work sites, and send to companies all around the country.
Olympus America, Inc., will sponsor an education program on colon cancer that will be sent
to the administrators of retirement communities all across the country.
General Motors will publish an article in its newsletter to encourage its two million
employees to research information relating to preventing, detecting and understanding
colorectal cancer.
Other private industries included in the partnership are Smith Kline Diagnostics, Eli Lilly and
Company, and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, all of whom have committed to raise awareness
among their thousands of employees about colon cancer.
Things To Do
"I feel fine."
"My schedule is too hectic."
7:00 Tennis Staff Meeting
9:00 Colon Cancer Test
"I'm only 50."
11:00 Dry Cleaning
MAKE THE TIME TO GET
12:30 1:45 Lunch w/ Rita
A TEST THAT COULD SAVE
3:00 Conference Call
YOUR LIFE.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cancer killer and every-
one aged 50 and older is at risk. More than 50,000 Americans
will die from colon cancer and 131,600 new cases will be
diagnosed this year.
Colon cancer is an equal-opportunity disease that affects both women and men. This silent
killer frequently begins without symptoms and those with a family history are at even
greater risk.
THE GOOD NEWS IS:
Colon cancer is preventable-even curable
when detected early. In fact, if cancer is found
early enough, the patient has more than a 90
percent chance of survival.
Colon cancer screenings are safe and effective and
are now covered by Medicare and an increasing
number of other health providers. There's even
a test that can be used in the privacy of your
own home.
Talk to your doctor about getting tested.
"You can prevent colon
cancer, even beat it."
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
AT 1-800-ACS-2345
TV PSAs
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
NATIONAL
1599 Clinon Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
:60/:30/:15
olorectal
"Hillary Rodham Clinton on Colon Cancer"
ancer
ROUNDTABLE
MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
Dear Public Service Director:
COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
Imagine having most a deadly disease cancer that rarely in the women produces United and symptoms buttal men risk. This
Agency for Healthcare Policy & Research
Alliance of Community Health Plans
the cancer equal second frequency is a silent and killer everyone that Americans affects over will the age die diagnosed. from of 50 colorectal is at can-
American Academy of Family Physicians
year, more nearly than 131,600 50,000 new cases will be
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
cer and colorectal cancer is preventable, and the dis- There even
American College of Physicians
The Bood news detected The 800 when detected ease good news is that could about death which rate we by can more make than this 50 percent. claim.
American College of Radiology
American Digestive Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological Association
is First Colorectal orectal screened. no Lady other cancer Hillary disease As an and urging everyone over the Clinton has joined the information, deadly the age National air disease about of this 50 we PSA to col- and get need as
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Association of State & Territorial Directors of Health
your the frequently benefits help in as when of spreading possible. screening. viewers 1 We over 50 are do to
Promotion & Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
schedule
it
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited
Colorectal Cancer
Sincerely,
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Slamin
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged, Inc.
Bernard Levin, National M.D. Colorectal Prevention Cancer Roundtable
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
Chairman, President for Cancer Center
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
Vice M.D. Anderson Cancer
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1ST WOMAN: Okay, who's up for lunch?
2ND WOMAN: Oh yeah. It's just a colon
3RD WOMAN: I'm supposed to get screened
2ND WOMAN: Oh, sorry. I've got to take
cancer test.
too, but I don't have the time
my husband to the doctor.
4TH WOMAN: But he's so young.
3RD WOMAN: Is everything okay?
Orly fifty-two.
MAKE THE TIME TO get A TEST
THAT could SAVE YOUR LIFE.
Call the American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
ancer
Hillary Rodham Clinton
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: Colon can-
But you can beat it if it's detected early.
ANNCR: Call 1-800-ACS-2345.
cer kills over 50,000 people a year and
So if you're fifty or older please get tested.
strikes women nearly as offen as men
It can save your life.
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Colorectal Cancer Public Service Announcements
Featuring First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
WHAT: Television, print, and radio public service announcements (PSAs)
Centers for Disease Control
on the importance of screening to prevent and detect colorectal
and Prevention
cancer. Television and radio PSAs are available in :15, :30 and :60
Member Organizations:
formats. The print PSA is available in a variety of dimensions.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WHO:
The PSAs feature First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton urging all
Health Plans
Americans over the age of 50 to see their doctors about getting
American Academy of
screened for colorectal cancer. The PSAs are sponsored by the
Family Physicians
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
American College of
Gastroenterology
professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations,
American College of Physicians
committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early
American College of Radiology
detection of colorectal cancer (see Roundtable fact sheet).
American Digestive
Health Foundation
WHY:
50,000 Americans die every year from colorectal cancer, the
American Gastroenterological
Association
second leading cancer killer, and the disease affects women nearly
American Medical Association
as often as men. Everyone aged 50 and older is at risk for
American Medical
developing colorectal cancer, and those with a family history are at
Women's Association
even greater risk. However, colorectal cancer is preventable, even
American Society of Colon
and Rectal Surgeons
curable, when detected early. In fact, widespread screening for
American Society for
colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate by over 50 percent.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
There is no other disease about which we can make this claim.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
Everyone 50 and older should see his or her doctor about getting
Promotion and Public Health
screened for colorectal cancer.
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
WHERE: The television PSAs will be available via satellite broadcast on the
Collaborative Group of the
following days:
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Thursday, September 10th
Friday, September 11th
Cancer Center
7:30pm to 7:45pm EDT
1:00pm to 1:15pm EDT
National Cancer Institute
Satellite GE1, Transponder 1
Satellite Telestar 4, Transponder 23
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
Downlink 3720
Downlink 4160
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
The PSAs will be widely distributed to television, radio and print public service
directors across the country. A nationally distributed trade publication for television
PSA directors will feature Mrs. Clinton's PSAs in the September issue, and the PSAs
also will be distributed through the grassroots efforts of the member organizations of
the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
For copies of the television, radio or print PSAs, contact Bill Goodwill at (703) 426-0881.
###
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Roundtable Member Organization Launches
Chat Room on Colorectal Cancer
www.gastro.org/adhf.html
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
On September 10th, 1998, the American Digestive Health FoundationSM's
(ADHFSM) Digestive Health Initiative (DHI) will debut its Internet chat
Member Organizations:
room on colorectal cancer. Located at www.gastro.org/adhf.html, this public
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal cancer patients, family
Alliance of Community
members, survivors, and people at high risk for developing the disease to
Health Plans
engage in live, real-time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal
American Academy of
Family Physicians
cancer. At this same electronic location, the DHI also will offer a colorectal
American College of
cancer message board, on which participants can post questions, answers,
Gastroenterology
information about resources, and topics for discussion concerning this disease.
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
In addition to the address above, the chat room can be accessed through the
American Digestive
home pages of the three ADHF member societies:
Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological
Association
American Gastroenterological Association: www.gastro.org
American Medical Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: www.asge.org
American Medical
Women's Association
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases:
American Society of Colon
www.hepar-sfgh.ucsf.edu
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
"Guest of the Month" Feature
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Each month, the DHI colorectal cancer chat room will feature a guest expert.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
These guest experts, drawn from the medical, patient support, and cancer
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survivor communities, will be scheduled to appear live in the chat room to
Digestive Diseases
discuss their personal and professional experiences with colorectal cancer.
National Coalition
Throughout the month, the guest experts will also respond to questions and
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
topics of discussion posted on the message board.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
September's live guest will be actress and colorectal cancer survivor Barbara
National Cancer Institute
Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the 1997
National Caucus and Center
book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. Ms. Barrie
on Black Aged, Inc.
will participate live in the chat room on September 11th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
EDT to discuss her personal experience and will respond to inquiries on the
Foundation
University of Minnesota
message board during the month of September. Dr. Bernard Levin, vice
Cancer Center
president for Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
University of Texas
Houston and chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, also
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
will be available during the last two weeks of September to respond to message board questions
and comments.
See the opening page of the chat room for information on future guest experts.
The American Digestive Health Foundation is a cooperative effort of the American
Gastroenterological Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The ADHF promotes digestive health for
all Americans by supporting educational initiatives and research into the causes, prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive and liver diseases. The ADHF funds basic research,
clinical research, and investigations into prevention strategies, and has established four
interdependent initiatives to advance its digestive health agenda.
###
* National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable member.
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Founding Organizations:
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical
American Cancer Society
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, committed to
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer. The Roundtable's ongoing mission is to reduce the incidence of and
Member Organizations:
mortality from this disease by achieving screening rates for colorectal cancer
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
that are equivalent to screening rates for other cancers (currently four out of
Alliance of Community
five people*).
Health Plans
American Academy of
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the US, causing the
Family Physicians
American College of
deaths of more than 50,000 Americans every year. Men and women over the
Gastroenterology
age of 50, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, are most at risk
American College of Physicians
for developing this disease.
American College of Radiology
American Digestive
To advance its major objectives, the Roundtable has set the following goals:
Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological
Association
Develop a national strategic plan for the early detection and control of
American Medical Association
colorectal cancer.
American Medical
Advocate for key policy issues that will help reduce colorectal cancer
Women's Association
American Society of Colon
rates.
and Rectal Surgeons
Identify research needs and potential barriers to reducing colorectal cancer
American Society for
rates, and recommend solutions.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Develop and sustain partnerships to enhance efforts in the prevention and
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
early detection of colorectal cancer.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Monitor progress in disease reduction efforts and participation in
Digestive Diseases
screening.
National Coalition
Produce periodic reports on the current state of colorectal cancer control,
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
and progress towards national objectives.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
For more information on the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, call Dr.
National Cancer Institute
Gabriel Feldman at the American Cancer Society, (404) 329-7504.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
###
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
* Breast and cervical cancers.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Member Organizations of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research
Alliance of Community Health Plans
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Digestive Health FoundationSM
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Private Industry Partnerships
Promoting Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Detection
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, has developed
partnerships with private industry to raise awareness of the importance of
Member Organizations:
colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. These national companies,
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
with their powerful reach, have committed to activities that will educate
Alliance of Community
hundreds of thousands of Americans over the age of 50 about the importance
Health Plans
of getting screened for colorectal cancer, the nation's second leading cancer
American Academy of
Family Physicians
killer.
American College of
Gastroenterology
American Airlines
American College of Physicians
American Airlines will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's public
American College of Radiology
service announcement on colon cancer in its in-flight magazine, American
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Way, reaching approximately two million air travelers in the US and around
American Gastroenterological
the world. In addition, American Airlines' in-house medical staff will provide
Association
free colorectal cancer screening cards to more than 200,000
American Medical Association
employees, spouses and retirees.
American Medical
Women's Association
American Society of Colon
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
and Rectal Surgeons
American Greetings will create a prescription insert reflecting National
American Society for
Colorectal Cancer Roundtable messages about prevention and early detection.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The National Association of Chain Drugstores will distribute the insert to its
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
30,000 chain pharmacies and 90,000 chain pharmacists. Beginning in early
Promotion and Public Health
Education
1999, individuals having prescriptions filled at participating drugstores and
Digestive Diseases
pharmacies will receive the insert in their prescription bags.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics. Inc.
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Beckman Coulter/SKD will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's
Memorial Skoan-Kettering
public service announcement on colorectal cancer through the company
Cancer Center
intranet and in-house publication, Beckman Coulter Life, reaching more than
National Cancer Institute
10,000 employees worldwide. SKD-trained representatives and an in-house
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
support staff of 50 will promote the message about screening for colorectal
STOP Colorectal Cancer
cancer by making themselves, and SKD's Basic Training TM Patient Education
Foundation
Program, available to National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable participants and
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
partners.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology has provided an initial $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that companies
nationwide can adopt at no cost. Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology will initiate the program at all
of its work sites.
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly will conduct a new employee education campaign to increase awareness about the
prevention of colon cancer through regular screenings. The campaign will reach more than
31,000 Lilly employees worldwide and their families using the public service materials
developed by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, as well as educational materials
created by the company's employee health services department in cooperation with corporate
communications. Lilly will inform employees through a number of venues, including
publications and its in-house television network.
General Motors Corporation
General Motors will publish an article on the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and
early detection in its newsletter, Feelin' Good, which is distributed to 1.5 million employees,
retirees, and families. The article will encourage employees to access the audio-tapes General
Motors has in its Audio Health Library on colorectal cancer risk factors, early detection
guidelines, signs and symptoms, and treatment, and will encourage enrollees in the corporation's
wellness program to discuss any colorectal cancer questions or symptoms with registered nurses
available through a toll-free number. The article also will contain information on how readers
can access General Motors' web site information on the prevention and early detection of
colorectal cancer, and will encourage employees to read the information on the disease contained
in their wellness program self-care manuals.
Kellogg Company
Kellogg will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection messages to a variety of
audiences, including: consumers via five million packages of Kellogg's All Bran and Bran Buds;
5,000 hospital health care sites; 5,000 health care professionals; 500 retailers; and to its
thousands of employees and retirees through its publication, The Kellogg News. In addition,
Kellogg Company will provide in-store consumer education messages in 12,000 stores, as well
as information on the Internet generating approximately five million "hits" per month.
Olympus America Inc.
Olympus America will sponsor and videotape a "Colorectal Cancer Education -What Everyone
Needs to Know" program which will be open to employees, family members and the general
public. Olympus will initiate a direct mailing to the administrators of retirement communities
across the country, offering copies of the videotaped program at no cost, and will show the
videotaped program at the five Olympus Service Center branches in Atlanta, Cleveland,
Chicago, Dallas, and Long Beach.
The program will be held at Olympus America headquarters in Melville, NY, or at a local
medical university, and will be repeated at Olympus' repair and distribution facility in San Jose,
CA. A panel of leading experts will speak about the problem of colorectal cancer, as well as
solutions, including preventive measures, nutrition, and screening. The program will be
promoted through a direct mail piece and internal Olympus Bulletin.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
Zeneca will offer to all employees over the age of 40 a new educational session on nutrition and
its role in colorectal cancer, as well as a new session on the importance of screening women for
colorectal cancer. In addition, a new work-site guide for detection/screening for colorectal
cancer will be issued for customer use.
###
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
White House
Event on
New Efforts
to Promote
Colon Cancer
Prevention
September 10, 1998
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON HOSTS WHITE HOUSE EVENT TO
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
PROMOTE PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION OF
COLORECTAL CANCER
Member Organizations:
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
First Lady Joins National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable In Urging
Alliance of Community
Americans Over 50 to Get Tested
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
American College of
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Today at the White House, First
Gastroenterology
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Physicians
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American College of Radiology
early detection of the disease. Joining Mrs. Clinton at the event were
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala,
American Gastroenterological
co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show Katie Couric, National Colorectal Cancer
Association
Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, and Good Housekeeping Editor-in-
American Medical Association
Chief Ellen Levine. More than 50,000 Americans die each year from
American Medical
colorectal cancer, which is preventable and even curable when detected early.
Women's Association
American Society of Colon
Men and women over the age of 50 are at risk for developing this disease.
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
In urging age 50 and older Americans to be screened for colorectal cancer,
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Mrs. Clinton said, "You can prevent colon cancer, even beat it. In fact, if
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survival." Dr. Levin, echoing Mrs. Clinton's comments, said, "widespread
Digestive Diseases
screening for colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate from this killer by
National Coalition
over 50 percent. There is no other disease about which we can make this
Collaborative Group of the
claim."
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
To underscore their efforts, Mrs. Clinton, who at the event was made
Cancer Center
Honorary Chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, unveiled
National Cancer Institute
survey results and several new initiatives to help spread the word about the
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Results of National Survey
Results of a national colorectal cancer awareness survey, commissioned by the Roundtable (a
coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations) and
conducted by the Gallup Organization, were released at the White House event (see news release
on survey results). The survey found that nearly 50 percent of people over age 50 - the age
group considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer - - have never been screened for
the disease. Of those people, most reported that no medical professional had ever recommended
a screening test for colorectal cancer.
Public Service Announcements
Dr. Levin unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, sponsored by the
Roundtable and featuring the First Lady. In the television, print, and radio PSAs, shown during
the event, Mrs. Clinton urges all Americans over the age of 50 to be screened for colorectal
cancer, a test that could save their lives. The print PSA will appear in the January issue of Good
Housekeeping.
The PSAs will be distributed nationally via satellite broadcast and mailings to public service
directors across the country. The PSAs also will receive additional distribution and visibility
through the grassroots efforts of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable members (see
Roundtable fact sheet for list of members).
Colorectal Cancer Chat Room
As a member of the Roundtable, the American Digestive Health FoundationˢM Digestive
Health Initiative debuted its Internet chat room on colorectal cancer located at
www.gastro.org/adhf.html. This public to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal
cancer patients, family members, survivors, and people at high risk for the disease to engage in
live, real time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal cancer.
Each month, the chat room will feature a guest expert, beginning with actress and colorectal
cancer survivor Barbara Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the
1997 book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. On September 11th, from
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EDT, Ms. Barrie will appear in the chat room live to discuss her personal
experience as a colorectal cancer survivor. In addition, Ms. Barrie will respond to questions
posted on the chat room's message board during the month of September.
Private Sector Partnerships
In its efforts to spread the word about the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early
detection, the Roundtable sought and secured partnerships with members of private industry,
which were announced at the White House event. In her remarks, Mrs. Clinton recognized the
following companies for the activities they will undertake to raise awareness about the
importance of colon cancer prevention and screening among their employees and customers (see
Private Sector Partnerships fact sheet for details on individual company activities):
American Airlines
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.
Bristol Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Eli Lilly and Company
General Motors Corporation
Kellogg Company
National Association of Chain Drugstores
Olympus America Inc.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
###
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
SURVEY SHOWS NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS AT RISK FOR
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
COLON CANCER ARE NOT BEING SCREENED
Member Organizations:
Large Number Report That Physicians Are Not Recommending Tests
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Survey results released today at
Health Plans
a White House event on new efforts to promote colorectal cancer prevention
American Academy of
Family Physicians
reveal that nearly half of all adults aged 50 and older -the age group
American College of
considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer -have not been
Gastroenterology
screened for the disease. The White House event was hosted by First Lady
American College of Physicians
Hillary Rodham Clinton, who announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Radiology
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American Digestive
Health Foundation
early detection of the disease. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer,
American Gastroenterological
kills more than 50,000 Americans each year, even though it is preventable and
Association
curable when detected early.
American Medical Association
American Medical
Women's Association
The survey, conducted for the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable by the
American Society of Colon
Gallup Organization, underscores the need for new national initiatives
and Rectal Surgeons
promoting colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. One of the most
American Society for
alarming findings is that most of the 47 percent of people over 50 not being
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
screened for colorectal cancer reported that no medical professional had ever
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
recommended screening.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
"Physicians must make testing for colorectal cancer a part of their medical
National Coalition
practices," said Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, vice president for
Collaborative Group of the
Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "I have
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
spent too much of my professional career delivering bad news to people
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
whose lives and health could have been saved if they had been screened for
Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
this preventable disease."
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
Although colorectal cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men and
STOP Colorectal Cancer
women, the survey found that women aged 50 and older are less likely than
Foundation
men in this same age group to undergo screening (49 percent of women
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
reported not having been screened versus 36 percent of men). Dramatic
University of Texas
differences were also seen between whites and non-whites. Among survey
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
respondents, 44 percent of whites reported not having had any of the three tests - fecal occult
blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium x-ray - compared to 56 percent of non-whites.
The majority of adults surveyed seem to believe that early detection can save lives; however,
when asked what they could do to help prevent colorectal cancer, fewer than half cited regular
screening tests. Even fewer mentioned dietary changes, such as eating a high-fiber diet (21
percent), or general references to diet (20 percent). A sizable minority (22 percent) could not
name anything a person might do to help prevent colorectal cancer.
Asked to estimate their own chances for developing colorectal cancer, one in five adults (20
percent) believe they are very likely to develop cancer of the colon or rectum. Another 35
percent say it is somewhat likely they will develop the disease. A small proportion - one
percent - reported they already have colon or rectal cancer. Sixteen percent could not estimate
their chances of getting colorectal cancer.
The Gallup Organization conducted telephone interviews from August 11 through August 23,
1998, with a national sample of 1,062 adults aged 50 or older, to examine the knowledge and
experience of adults with testing for colorectal cancer.
###
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and
voluntary organizations committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer.
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The Facts About Colorectal Cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Almost all cases of colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer,
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
begin with the development of benign colonic polyps.
Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an
Member Organizations:
unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
These polyps can be cancerous, invading the colon wall and surrounding
Alliance of Community
blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body.
Health Plans
Colorectal cancer frequently begins without symptoms.
American Academy of
Family Physicians
American College of
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, but the disease
American College of Radiology
appears to be caused by both inherited and lifestyle factors.
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables - such as those that
American Gastroenterological
include red meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy products - - may increase
Association
the risk of colorectal cancer.
American Medical Association
Lifestyle factors -such as cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and
American Medical
Women's Association
obesity - - also may increase the risk of developing the disease.
American Society of Colon
Genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to the disease,
and Rectal Surgeons
whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine which at-risk
American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
individuals actually go on to develop the disease.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
How Common is Colorectal Cancer?
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States,
National Coalition
and the third most common cancer overall.
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
This year, more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
and approximately 131,600 new cases will be diagnosed.
Cancer Center
Eighty to 90 million Americans (approximately 25 percent of the US
National Cancer Institute
population) are considered at risk because of age or other factors.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
More women over the age of 75 die from colorectal cancer than from
STOP Colorectal Cancer
breast cancer.
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Who Is At Risk?
Men and women aged 50 and older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) are at
high risk of developing the disease.
Anyone who has a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
or Crohn's disease, is also at high risk.
Although the incidence of colorectal cancer appears to be the same among all racial groups,
survival rates seem to be lower for African-Americans.
How Can You Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
Know your family history.
See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are aged 50 or older.
Maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Exercise regularly.
Prevent obesity.
Avoid cigarette smoking.
What You Need To Know
...
Early detection saves lives - colorectal cancer is preventable, even curable when detected
early.
If colorectal cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
survival.
Colorectal cancer screenings are safe and effective and are now covered by Medicare and an
increasing number of other health providers.
Several screening methods can be used to detect polyps before they become cancerous, such
as fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium x-ray. These
tests also can detect cancer in its early stages.
###
BERNARD LEVIN, MD
Gastroenterologist
Bernard Levin, MD, currently is professor of medicine and vice president for cancer prevention
at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Prior to his fourteen
years at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Levin was associate professor of medicine and attending physician
at University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics.
For the American Digestive Health Foundationˢᵗ (ADHFSM), Dr. Levin serves as co-chair of the
Digestive Health Initiative® Colorectal Cancer Education Campaign. He also is chair of the
American Cancer Society's National Advisory Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and recently
was appointed as chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
Affiliated with a number of professional organizations, Dr. Levin is a member of the American
Gastroenterological Association and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He
participates as a consultant to the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Levin has written extensively for distinguished medical publications including Journal of the
National Cancer Institute, Gastroenterology, the International Journal of Cancer, Cancer and
Science.
A graduate of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Levin
completed fellowships in gastroenterology and biochemistry in pathology at the University of
Chicago.
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON PROMOTES
COLON CANCER AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
September 10, 1998
Today, at the White House, the First Lady will announce a series of initiatives to raise
awareness about colon cancer. She will announce a new research grant to fight colon cancer,
release a survey reporting that many Americans do not receive appropriate screening for this
disease, unveil a new public service announcement to promote prevention, and announce new
public and private sector partnerships to raise awareness. The First Lady will be joined by Katie
Couric, NBC "Today Show" Anchor; Ellen Levine, Editor-in-Chief of "Good Housekeeping"
Magazine; Dr. Bernard Levin, a colon cancer specialist and chair of the National Colorectal
Cancer Roundtable; and Secretary Shalala.
Colon Cancer - A Preventable Killer. Colon cancer is the number one non-tobacco-related
cancer killer, with more than 50,000 Americans dying each year from the disease. For both men
and women, it is the third most common cancer, and 130,000 Americans contract the disease
each year. Men and women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing colorectal
cancer. However, it is preventable and curable when detected early; in fact, a patient whose
cancer is detected early has more than a 90 percent chance of survival. Raising awareness about
colon cancer and the importance of screening can save lives.
New Grant to Fund Colon Cancer Research. The First Lady will announce a new $8 million
grant by the National Institutes of Health to the Seattle Gastrointestinal Program Project for
research aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating colon cancer. The grant will help scientists
better determine who is at risk for colon cancer and will test new strategies to reduce their cancer
risk. The grant will also be used to develop more sensitive and precise ways of screening colon
cancer than those available today.
New Survey Demonstrates Need for Greater Need for Colon Cancer Awareness. The First
Lady will release a survey finding that nearly 50 percent of men and women over the age of 50 --
of those at highest risk for colon cancer have never been screened. Forty-seven percent of
those not tested reported that no medical professional had ever recommended that they be
screened for colon cancer. Although colon cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men
and women over the age of 50, 49 percent of women reported not having been screened
compared to 36 percent of men. Dramatic differences were also present between whites and non-
whites. Forty-four percent of whites reported not having taken any of the three tests used for
screening, as opposed to 56 percent of non-whites. While most of the adults surveyed believed
that early detection could save lives, few were aware that screening and dietary changes could
help prevent the onset of colorectal cancer. This national survey was conducted by the Gallup
Organization.
A New Media Campaign: With its October issue, "Good Housekeeping" Magazine is initiating
a year-long colon cancer awareness campaign. The October issue will contain a major medical
report on what women can do to protect themselves from colon cancer. In addition, NBC's
"Today Show" will present a week-long in-depth series, "Confronting Colon Cancer," that will
offer a comprehensive look at this preventable disease.
New Partnership Between Public and Private Sector. The First Lady will also announce the
creation of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable unprecedented private and public sector
partnership to promote greater awareness of colon cancer. Group members include the Centers
for Disease Control, the American Cancer Society, the American Digestive Health Foundation.
Raising Awareness through a New Public Service Announcement. A new public service
announcement featuring the First Lady will be unveiled urging all Americans over the age of 50
to be screened for colorectal cancer. NBC will air the PSA, and the print version will appear in
the January issue of Good Housekeeping. The PSA will also be distributed nationally.
New Internet Site to Answer Questions on Colon Cancer. The First Lady will also announce
a new Internet chatroom that will allow consumers, patients, family members, survivors, and
people at high risk for the disease to engage in live discussions of issues relating to colorectal
cancer. Doctors and other experts will be available on line to answer questions about this
disease. The website address is www.gastro.org/adhf.html, and it will be sponsored by the
American Digestive Health Foundation, a member of the Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
New Private Sector Commitments to Raise Awareness: The First Lady will also announce
new private sector commitments to promote colon cancer awareness, by bringing attention to the
importance of prevention and early detection. Commitments include:
American Airlines will publish the public service announcement on colon cancer in its in-
flight magazine, where it may reach approximately two million travelers in the U.S. and
abroad.
The Kellogg Company USA will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection by
printing public service messages on five million packages of All Bran and Bran Buds cereal
boxes.
American Greetings will create an insert for prescriptions that promotes prevention and early
detection of colorectal cancer. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores will distribute
the insert to all of its pharmacies and pharmacists.
Bristol-Meyers Squibb Oncology has provided a $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that it will initiate at
all of its work sites, and send to companies all around the country.
Olympus America, Inc., will sponsor an education program on colon cancer that will be sent
to the administrators of retirement communities all across the country.
General Motors will publish an article in its newsletter to encourage its two million
employees to research information relating to preventing, detecting and understanding
colorectal cancer.
Other private industries included in the partnership are Smith Kline Diagnostics, Eli Lilly and
Company, and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, all of whom have committed to raise awareness
among their thousands of employees about colon cancer.
OCTOBER
1998
$1.95
Win
Good CONTEST! Wardrobe
Gained Back
KITCHEN
Those Pounds?
MAKEOVERS
Lose Them For Good
Great Looks
You Can
AIR BAG DANGERS
Afford
How To Keep
Your Family Saf
Do You Talk
To Yourself?
When It Helps
INTERVIEW
BEST EVER
Katie's Wish
PASTA RECIPES
Speaking out in her husband's
memory...what she
KIDS' HEALTH
desperately wants you to know
Update on Unsafe
Medicines, New
Vaccines, and More
http://goodhousekeeping.com
10
PLUS: Other stories of courage.
08345
And real hope in the
0
754714 o
$1.95
battle to beat colon cancer.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING october
Katie's Crusade
Still coming to terms
with her husband's
death from colon
cancer, the Today
show's Katie Couric
is speaking out in his
memory. What she
wants you to know
could save your life.
BY JOANNA POWELL
124
In her handsome corner office at New York City's Rockefeller
young ages. At least 13,000 new cases
Center, Katie Couric is trying to get on with her life. Dressed
each year involve people under 50.
Does having lost a loved one to cancer
in a baby-blue tailored suit and heavy makeup from her
make you terrified of developing the
morning duties as cohost of NBC's Today show, she's both
disease yourself?
poised and funny as she gives a rare interview. First, she
Terrified is probably too strong a word.
But it certainly makes me feel vulnera-
takes time for a bit of girl talk about shoes. Then she turns
ble. My husband was trim, healthy, had
serious as the subject moves to her recent loss.
never smoked a cigarette. It makes me
feel vulnerable for everyone, not just for
Despite her courageous front, Katie's
myself. It's very frightening.
voice cracks often during our conversa-
How did you keep going after Jay's death?
tion, and her eyes well up with tears. It
As hard as it is for everybody who faces a
has been just a few months since the
tragedy in their lives, you really don't
death of her husband, TV legal analyst
have much of a choice. You can stay in
Jay Monahan, who at 42, lost a swift,
bed every day, or for weeks or months at a
brutal fight with colon cancer. As a new-
time, or you can just keep going. Children
ly single mother with two small children
force you to keep going. You don't have
(Ellie, 7, and Carrie, 2½), Katie is still
the luxury of putting your head in the
reeling from the shock.
sand. My children are a tremendous
But in her search for solace, she has
source of comfort, tremendously motivat-
found some touchstones. In one corner
ing for me. Because I have responsibili-
of her office there is a small antique
ties. It's not just financial. It's being there
chest of drawers that was a birthday gift
for them because they are children.
from her husband the year before he
How was Jay's cancer discovered?
died. Once a scientist's display cabinet,
He was already very sick when doctors
it is filled with delicate eggs of various
diagnosed it in April 1997. He had no
wild birds. Even though some of the
symptoms. Jay was tired, but we thought
eggs have already broken, Katie has
it was because he was flying back and
protectively made a handwritten sign
forth to California for his job [as a TV
that reads FRAGILE and taped it to the
Katie with husband Jay in 1995.
legal analyst]. And we had two small chil-
top of the chest. "I'm just so afraid it
"We had no idea
dren bringing every bug in America into
might get damaged," she says. "It
the house. We had no idea what was
means so much to me."
what was going on in
going on in his body. This cancer is so
What also means a lot to Katie is her
decision to turn her grief into action-by
his body. This cancer
insidious.
What are the lessons to be learned?
launching a fight to raise awareness
is so insidious."
For one, that there are often very few
about colon cancer. It is to that end that
symptoms until it's too late. I'm not say-
she is anchoring a five-part series about
ish about it. It might cost you your life.
ing everyone in America is walking
the disease on the Today show from
For the Today show's series on colon can-
around with colon cancer, but everyone
September 14 to 18. And it is why, for
cer, we interviewed a Yale-educated doc-
needs to know that it is a possibility. And
this interview, she agreed to talk inti-
tor who was going to give a talk on colon
they need to rule it out. The only way to
mately about her loss-and her ongoing
cancer at the Yale Club in New York
be really safe is to be tested. I'd like for
effort to understand it.
City. He was asked to change the subject
people to become more aware of
Joanna Powell: You've been very private
of his talk to make it more palatable. Peo-
colonoscopy, an exam that allows a doctor
since your husband died. Why are you
ple educated at a university like Yale can-
to check the colon for abnormalities, and
speaking out now?
not deal with colon cancer? I just couldn't
to decide with their doctors whether one
Katie Couric: Colon cancer has taken a
believe it.
is
huge personal toll on my life. Now I'd
What do you want people to be especially
Do you think there's anything doctors
like to help educate others about this dis-
aware of?
know now that might have made a differ-
ease. I want everyone to understand that
People need to know that colon cancer
ence in saving Jay's life?
women as well as men get colon cancer.
can strike the young. My husband was
My husband's mom, who is now in her
Young people as well as old people get it.
barely 42 years old. My executive produc-
60s, has ovarian cancer-it was diagnosed
And frankly, very few people take advan-
er, Jeff Zucker, got it, and he was only 31.
about three years ago. His grandmother
tage of the preventive tools that exist.
Fortunately, he survived. Last weekend,
died of breast cancer. There is a growing
Too many Americans don't get tested
I ran into a farmer I know out in the coun-
body of thought that these glandular can-
because they don't want to talk about
try. Jay and I always bought produce from
cers-breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate,
that part of their body.
him. When I saw him, he said, "I'm so
and colon-may be related, that there is
How can we break the stigma of this
sorry about Jay. You know I lost my
perhaps, a genetic link. If we had known
disease?
fiancée five years ago to colon cancer." I
this, Jay might have been screened for
I think we have to use the words, say
asked how old she was, and he said,
colon cancer. I now certainly believe you
them. Colon. Rectum. Bowels. The more
"Thirty-eight." I can't tell you how many
should think long and hard about an
matter of fact you are with the language,
people wrote to me whose husbands or
early colonoscopy, not only if your aunt or
the more it helps. You can't be squeam-
wives were taken by this disease at very
grandmother or other relative has colon
cancer, but also if any of these glandular
treatment for colon cancer is a drug that
going to get through it and continue to fly
never for
cancers exist in your family. I firmly
was developed in the 1950's. I hope that
in the healthiest way possible. Talk to
weren't
believe you have to be your own best
more money-government and private-
your child's teachers; talk honestly with
I'll never
children about the death in an age-
What did
advocate. We're hearing now that every-
can be devoted to cancer research. If we
one 50 and up should have a colonoscopy
can put Sojourner on Mars, we can come
appropriate way. Parents can't just forget
Just "Thi
regardless of risk factors or symptoms.
up with something that keeps cancer
about it and hope their kids will be okay.
you need
But all the doctors I know-and I know a
What should you do to keep the loved
ing, comfi
from destroying so many lives.
lot of them-say they had or will get a
How do you feel about the body's ability
one's memory alive?
Tuesdays 8
colonoscopy by their fortieth birthday.
to "beat cancer"? Is it possible? People talk
You can't schedule a child's grief. You
fessor dyii
That ought to tell you something.
a lot about fighting it psychologically.
really have to have a good sense of what's
his relatio
Problem is, even if you have a family
I think you have to have hope and a fight-
right for your child; you can't force-feed
He talke
history of colon cancer, doctors often
ing spirit. On the other hand, this idea that
your child. I try to talk about Jay in a very
dreamlike
natural way, because he comes up all the
how peop
time. Yet I don't try to sit with my child
lives, chat
"Little things help-like having my
in some kind of artificial environment,
store, and
and have her discuss things with me that
is going on
husband's money clip in my purse. And
maybe she's not ready to talk about. I
I think
think you have to pick up cues from
life has cha
being in a room where he spent time.'
them. The other day my daughter Carrie
it's very rea
was on her play telephone telling me,
world thrc
recommend you be screened by a flexible
people who survive cancer are stronger
"Mom, it's Daddy calling from heaven."
Everything
sigmoidoscopy, not a colonoscopy.
willed or more motivated or have a greater
It was heartbreaking, but I wanted to
like B.C. a
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is effective for
explore it with her, so we started talking.
After Cance
desire to live is really unfair to people who
only the lower third to half of the colon.
She's only 2½, but I didn't want to just
on comme
don't beat it. I think cancer, frankly, comes
My feeling is if you really want to be sure,
down to biology and luck. The cemeteries
ignore her and what she was saying. It's
buried in a
getting a flex sig is like getting a mam-
are full of people who wanted to live more
an awful lot for grown-ups to handle
terrifying. V
mogram on one breast.
than anything and couldn't
their own pain and loss, but they can't
After your husband found out he had
It's a very confusing concept-the idea
forget about the children. They're going
colon cancer, what did you do to fight the
that if you fight hard enough you can cure
through it too. It's very easy in a situation
Th
disease?
yourself.
like this to feel completely and utterly
I can share some of my personal experi-
I'm thrilled for people who beat it,
overwhelmed. But I think parents have a
ence, but I want to be careful not to
because I know they've been to hell and
real responsibility to pull it together for
invade my husband's privacy or dignity in
back. But to imply that they are mentally
their children.
any way. Immediately after he received
superior to those who don't beat it is just
Has your mother been helpful to you dur-
his diagnosis, I began to amass a lot of
plain wrong.
ing this ordeal?
information on treatment, clinical trials,
The other part of your story is surviving
Oh, yes. I'm very close to my parents. I
and experimental drugs. I was extremely
the grief after losing your husband. Is
went through a period when I was just
frustrated to discover there's no single
there anything that's been especially help-
impossible to deal with. Because I was
source for learning about the various
ful in your life in the past months?
just so, so upset and angry and furious
experimental treatments for your specific
Talking to other women who have been
with the world. Talk about unconditional
disease. Pharmaceutical and biotech com-
through similar circumstances. Nobody
love. They've always been there for me.
panies are highly competitive and some-
else really understands. I didn't before it
What about friends? How have they
times secretive about the kinds of tests
happened to me. As empathetic as
responded?
they're doing. The technology is chang-
friends and family want to be, it's just
I think this is really important. A lot of
ing at breakneck speed. And it's hard to
such a lonely, painful experience. It's
people are at a loss when it comes to help-
find sources that are in plain English, not
very meaningful to have someone who
ing friends feel better. A lot of people pull
medicalese. It was very troubling to me.
can relate to an earth-shattering event in
back because they don't want to be inva-
Here I was, a reporter. I've spent the last
the same way you do.
sive or intrusive.
20 years researching and investigating.
Do you have any advice to parents with
Or say the wrong things.
But when it came to tracking down infor-
young children who have lost a loved one?
Or say the wrong things. It's painful for
mation that could potentially save a life, I
I'd hate to profess to be an expert. It's
lot of people because it reminds them of
hit one obstacle after another. I'm heart-
definitely baptism by fire when you're in
their own mortality. But when someone
ened to hear that the National Cancer
a situation like this. Every child is differ-
you care about is going through something E
Institute has just implemented a new
ent, every parent is different, every situa-
as traumatic as this, you can't stop trying
Web site clearinghouse, so some of this
tion is different. But I do think you need
get in-even if they push you away, initial
information is easier to access but I defi-
to be very proactive in helping your
ly, because they're so knocked off their
children through an ordeal like this. And
foundation and their world has just fallen
nitely think more could be done.
Do you find it frustrating that cancer is
you need to do everything you can to
apart. If they push you away, and you real
still the No. 2 killer in this country after
keep them healthy and whole. You can't
ly care-push back. Keep trying. When
heart disease?
think that they are just children and they
you're going through it, you're scared me
Incredibly. It's been more than 25 years
won't be affected, or they'll get over it, or
the time. I had one friend who wrote
since Richard Nixon declared war on can-
children are resilient. Some of that is true,
card every week and called me every But
cer. And while there have been tremen-
but I think you have to very consciously
week, and I never called her back. ГП
dous strides, the first-line chemotherapy
take steps to make sure that they're
I'm so grateful that she kept trying.
126
never forget that. And the people who
bility in your life, these things are not fun-
the Civil War, at our house in the country
weren't there and didn't keep on trying,
ny. Even hearing cartoon characters say,
and I go into that room and look at the
I'll never forget that either.
"Drop dead." I remember looking at a
things he loved-which, of course, I didn't
What did the cards say?
magazine cover on summer pleasures,
appreciate as much when he was living.
Just "Thinking about you," "I'm here if
and thinking, Wow, I wish that's all I cared
That's a very special place for me. I find
you need me." That was a very reassur-
about: what I was going to do this summer,
that talking about him to those people
ing, comforting thing. I think of the book
what movies I was going to see. I think it's
who cared about him and miss him is real-
Tuesdays with Morrie (about a college pro-
important to acknowledge that someone's
ly helpful. Sometimes when you lose
fessor dying of Lou Gehrig's disease and
world has taken a gut-wrenching turn.
someone, other people just want it to be
his relationship with a former student).
Is there any place or item that you shared
in the past and not talk about it. I appreci-
He talked about how you're in this
with Jay that now offers comfort?
ate having people say how much they
dreamlike state and you can't understand
Nothing really comforts me, I'm sorry to
cared about him and miss him too.
how people are just going on with their
report. It's only been months since my
Are you still close to his family?
lives, chatting and going to the grocery
husband died. And, frankly, I still can't
Yes. Jay was one of seven children, and I
store, and pushing baby strollers. That life
believe it. When I think about it, it just
often speak to his siblings as well as to his
is going on swimmingly for everyone else.
permeates every cell in my body. You
parents. They're all wonderful. I also like
I think when people acknowledge that
can forget about it temporarily. But then
to talk to other people who knew him
life has changed in a horrible way for you,
the grief comes like a huge wave and like
well and were profoundly affected by
it's very reassuring. I used to say I saw the
a horrible invasion of your heart and soul.
him. Someone sent me a letter telling me
world through cancer-colored glasses.
Little things help me-like having my
about Jay's experience in the Navy. I just
Everything just looks very different. It's
husband's money clip in my purse. And
got his transcripts from college and read his
like B.C. and A.C.-Before Cancer and
just being in a room where he spent a lot
guidance counselor's recommendation and
After Cancer. You see references to death
of time. But I don't have any sort of ritual
his entrance essay. It was very revealing.
on commercials; you see a man being
or supercomforting place. I'm still looking
He wrote things that I didn't know about
buried in a car, and it's not a big joke. It's
for that. My husband had a collection of
him. It's nice to have, but sometimes so
terrifying. When death is a distinct possi-
historic military pieces, particularly from
hard to read.
(continued on page 188)
The Stories of Three Families Left Behind
KATHY HOCHHAUSER
"HE NEVER LOST HIS SPIRIT"
AND? IER DAUGHTERS,
I
n 1993, Kathy Hochhauser and her husband, Ken, were feeling
Ellen, 18, SEATED,
hopeful about their future together. The parents of two daughters-
14.
Ellen, 12 at the time, and Gwen, 9-they were strong-willed people
whose marriage had been troubled; the couple were in counseling. But
now they were trying to put the bad times behind them.
Then, one day, Ken, a 45-year-old accountant at a computer company
in Framingham, MA, noticed blood in his stool. "I urged him to go to the
doctor, but he put it off for a few months," says Kathy, now 50, a public
school secretary. When he finally had a colonoscopy, an examination of the
colon, the news wasn't good: A tumor was found. Ken had surgery
immediately, but the cancer had already spread to his liver. Although he
would get chemotherapy and radiation-including an experimental drug-
the doctors indicated that he didn't have long to live.
"He was a fighter; he was going to prove them wrong," recalls Kathy.
And he did. For three years after the surgery, he lived life to the fullest.
"He'd be nauseated after a chemotherapy session, but he'd insist on
playing basketball," says Kathy. And he rallied enough to attend Gwen's
bat mitzvah in November 1996. "He even found the strength to dance
with me," says Kathy.
She and Ken grew closer than they had ever been. Kathy drove him to
and from treatments and nursed him through the long nights. "He never
lost his spirit," she reports. "Two weeks before he died, I asked him if
there was anything I could get for him, and he grinned and said, 'A
pastrami sandwich.' went to the deli right away."
On July 3, 1997, Ken, at age 49, lost his battle against colon cancer.
Kathy had grieved a lot during the years she cared for Ken, but now she
couldn't stop thinking about what could have been done to save her
young husband's life. For 25 years, Ken had suffered from chronic bowel
problems, and Kathy now says she wishes he'd been screened earlier. "If
only one person reads this and goes for a checkup," she says, "none of
what we went through will have been in vain."
-Sondra Forsyth
"SHE WAS A REAL GOOD MoM"
CHEI SHERER
7, AND
FATHER, TRIPP.
C
helsie Sherer, a 7-year-old who loves to swim and watch videos,
T
seems like a typical second grader. But those close to her know
she's wrestling with a terrible trauma: the loss of her mother. In
1996, at age 28, Lisa Sherer died of a rare, genetic form of colon cancer, leav-
ing behind her only child and her husband, Tripp, a dental technician.
Chelsie was not yet 3 when Lisa first got sick in 1993. She passed a lot of
blood one day and was rushed to the emergency room. It turned out she had
familial polyposis, a condition in which thousands of polyps grow on the
colon, and her polyps were malignant. She was given a year and a half to live.
The doctors told Tripp that the polyps start out benign but if not removed al-
most always become malignant by the time the person is 40. Tripp recalled
that Lisa frequently had diarrhea and lacked stamina. When he asked her
about it, she told him she had received a diagnosis of a spastic colon when
I
she was a teenager. No formal testing had been done; if it had, the condition
could have been detected sooner.
Though Lisa didn't know of any relatives with familial polyposis, Tripp wor-
volved: I
ried that she might have passed it on to Chelsie, so he arranged to have her
made up
tested. Sure enough, Chelsie had the condition. "But we caught it early
tube that
enough: her polyps were still precancerous," says Tripp. However, doctors had
food and
to remove Chelsie's entire large intestine to protect her from cancer.
tum, the
Lisa was SO ill that, at first, Tripp didn't tell her that Chelsie had inherited
large inte
her condition and undergone surgery. But three months before Lisa died, Tripp
rity has g
decided she should know: "She was extremely upset, but I said the way I saw
account 0
it, she gave Chelsie life, and now she was saving Chelsie's life. After that, I
as former
asked her if she wanted to renew our VOWS. She said yes." The ceremony was
breast c
performed at Lisa's bedside on May 12, 1996. Two weeks later, she died.
Schwarzl
Today, Lisa's framed photograph sits on the dresser in the bedroom she
Many
and Tripp once shared. "Sometimes I go into Daddy's room and look at my
strikes m
mom's picture," says Chelsie. "She was a real good mom."
-S.F.
doctors a
patients
"I WISH I COULD SEE HIM AGAIN"
develop
CLOCKWISE.FROMY
netic pre
L
ast Christmas, not long after she turned 16, Lynne Patterson's
LEFT: LYNNE
tually kil
father, Michael, gave her a 1989 Volkswagen and two promises.
PATTERSON, 16.
they dor
First, as a mechanic, he'd keep the vehicle in top shape. Second,
GEORGIA,HER
men. TI
he'd help her get her license. But Michael, 50, of Medford, MA, wouldn't live
MOTHER;AMY,J5
and 64,6
long enough to celebrate that rite of passage with his oldest daughter.
Timothy, 11.
cer, and
On February 6, he was admitted to the hospital with a fever of 103°F.
Jacqueline, 14.
will die
Tests showed that Michael seemed to be losing blood, so a CT scan was
can Can
performed. It revealed a mass in his abdomen. Surgery turned up a
The
malignancy on his colon-as well as 14 other tumors. The prognosis? At
screenii
most, several months for Michael to spend with his wife, Georgia, and Lynne
known
and her three siblings: Amy, 15; Jacqueline, 14; and Timothy, 11.
be prev
"I couldn't believe it," says Lynne. "The doctors said the tumor must have
could Sa
taken at least five years to get that big, but my dad hadn't seemed sick at
year, bu
all." Michael did experience some rectal bleeding-the No. 1 sign of colon
Bond, 1
cancer. At first it was some slight spotting. Then, by October 1997, the
Veterar
bleeding had become pronounced, SO Michael went to the doctor. His
neapoli
physician found a hemorrhoid and suggested that Michael have a colon-
50 and
cancer test, which he postponed. Georgia now wishes she and Michael had
cancer,
paid more attention to those earlier symptoms.
womer
Despite the grim prognosis, Lynne thought she'd have at least one more
colon e
summer with her father. "We had always been really close," she says. "Ever
cording
since I was a little girl, our family had traveled to Maine in July. My dad would
trol an
wake me up at five in the morning, SO the two of us could walk to the bakery
us put
to get pastries hot from the oven. I pictured us walking together again."
barrass
It wasn't to be. By February 14, Michael had developed complications
plenty
from the surgery, and four days later, he was gone. "It's still hard to accept,"
tors de
says Lynne. "Something in the house will break, and I'll think, Oh, Dad will fix
some i
that. I wish I could see him again, even just one more time, to tell him I love
the be
him and to hear him say that he loves me."
-S.F.
The
Diges
128
The Preventable Cancer
The right testing for colon cancer can save your life.
What every woman needs to know. by Lisa Collier Cool
t's the second most deadly
adults age 50 and over-the group with
Screening Tests," page 190).
cancer, killing more people
the highest rate of colon tumors-an as-
I
What makes the screening shortfall
each year than breast or
tonishing 61 percent of women said
so troublesome is that colon cancer
prostate cancer. Yet colon
their doctors had never advised any kind
often produces no symptoms in its early
cancer doesn't receive nearly
of screening. Many primary-care doctors
stages, when it is 90 percent curable. If
as much attention. That's
aren't educated about the tremendous
not detected, it typically goes unnoticed
partly because no one likes to
benefits of testing, according to Albert
until it has spread beyond the in-
talk about the body parts in-
Palitz, M.D., director of the colorectal
testines-at which point the five-year
volved: namely, the large intestine,
cancer prevention program at Kaiser
survival rate is less than 60 percent.
made up of the colon, a six-foot-long
Permanente, a large California-based
tube that removes water from digested
health maintenance organization. "Only
The Best Protection
food and expels solid waste; and the rec-
in the last five years have studies pro-
Colon-cancer experts agree that the "gold
tum, the last six to eight inches of the
vided clear evidence that screening can
standard" of screening is colonoscopy, a
large intestine. What's more, no celeb-
prevent death," he notes. However, the
15- to 20-minute test in which the entire
rity has gone public with a first-person
ACS has supported colon-cancer screen-
colon is checked for tumors using a
account of the disease to raise awareness,
ing for nearly two decades, issuing new
lighted flexible tube with a cameralike
as former First Lady Betty Ford did for
guidelines last year (see "Rating the
device at one (continued on page 188)
breast cancer and General Norman
Schwarzkopf did for prostate cancer.
Many women assume colon cancer
THE GOLD-STANDARD 20-MINUTE TEST:
strikes mostly the elderly-or men. But
ONE WOMAN'S STORY
doctors are seeing younger and younger
patients with the disease, some of whom
ot long ago, I saw something
would be injected into my intestines SO the doctor
develop the illness early because of a ge-
N
alarming in the toilet. "This isn't
would have a good view, and that would produce a
netic predisposition. And the cancer ac-
good," I said out loud, staring at
gassy, uncomfortable feeling. Sedation would be
tually kills more women-mainly because
the bloody stool I discovered. I'm
necessary. I was told that there would be no
they don't get screened as frequently as
52, and my mother has a history of colon polyps.
discomfort when the probe was slowly retracted,
men. This year, about 67,000 women-
So I made an appointment with William Coll, M.D.,
so I asked to be awakened midprocedure. I wanted
and 64,600 men-will develop colon can-
a local gastroenterologist, who helped me arrive at
to see for myself what was going on inside.
cer, and 28,600 women and 27,900 men
an obvious conclusion: I needed to have my colon
Dr. Coll used intravenous Demerol (a sedative
will die from it, according to the Ameri-
checked for cancer. I was scared, SO I elected, as
and painkiller) and Versed (another sedative) to
can Cancer Society (ACS).
advised by Dr. Coll, to have a colonoscopy, which
knock me out during the first part of the
The good news: With the right
would enable him to inspect my entire colon.
procedure. Then, I got a drug that would wake me
screening, the disease-technically
In the 24 hours before the procedure, I needed
up. When I opened my eyes, the scope, now about
known as colorectal cancer-can actually
to cleanse and flush my colon so that Dr. Coll's
four feet up my innards, displayed interior shots of
be prevented. "Widespread screening
view would be unobstructed. My diet was restricted
my colon on a monitor only a few feet away. Inside
could save at least thirty-thousand lives a
to clear liquids and chilled bouillon. But that
this strange labyrinth of pink-gold crinkles and
year, but sadly, very few get it," says John
wasn't all. I was ordered to take one and a half
folds were two tiny polyps, six millimeters in
Bond, M.D., chief of gastroenterology at
ounces of a fizzy laxative potion mixed with eight
diameter, which Dr. Coll removed. Also revealed
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Min-
ounces of water, once at 11:00 A.M. and again at
were two tiny hemorrhoids that had ruptured and
neapolis. More than half of women age
6:00 P.M. Dr. Coll recommended that I stay home
were deemed the cause of my dramatic bowel
50 and over are now checked for breast
after the first dose (which I did). It made perfect
movement.
cancer, but only about 24 percent of
sense: This nasty-tasting salty, lemony drink gave
Afterward, I dozed lightly in the recovery room. I
women age 50 and over have had their
me cramps and diarrhea almost immediately, and
was a little WOOZY, but my stomach felt fine. in fact,
colon examined in the past five years, ac-
I found myself in the bathroom at 20-minute
I was hungry. I fantasized about breaking my fast
cording to the Centers for Disease Con-
intervals throughout the day. I was not only crampy
with barbecued spareribs and garlic mashed
trol and Prevention in Atlanta. Many of
and crabby but also lightheaded and weak-
potatoes, a dream that became a reality that
us put off testing, fearing it may be em-
probably dehydrated, Dr. Coll said. He also told me
evening. I returned to work, spunky as ever, the
barrassing or uncomfortable. But there's
that all of these reactions were to be expected.
next morning.
plenty of blame to go around: Some doc-
The next morning, at 8:30 A.M., I went to Sharon
A few days later, I learned that the polyps were
tors don't tell us to get screened-and
Hospital in Connecticut. I got undressed, put on a
benign. I was glad I'd had the colonoscopy-and
some insurance companies won't pay for
cotton gown, and was instructed to lie on a
relieved when Dr. Coll told me that the type of
the best testing.
stretcher. A nurse explained that the colonoscope,
polyps he'd removed never becomes cancerous. So
Three years ago, when the American
a thin, lighted probe with a cameralike device at
I don't have to have another colonoscopy for seven
Digestive Health Foundation polled
one end, would be threaded into my colon. Air
to ten years.
Maxine Paetro
KATIE COURIC
COLON CANCER
cil eraser, and up to seven more years to
turn cancerous.
(continued from page 127)
(continued from page 129)
Do you share them with your daughters?
end. The device transmits images of the
Elizabeth Ely, 55, an interior decora-
I'm putting together a book of all the let-
colon to a video screen, which the doctor
tor in New York City, is grateful that she
ters people have written about Jay, so that
watches throughout the procedure. Any
had a colonoscopy, because it saved her
my girls feel like they know a lot about
polyps that are discovered can be re-
life. Although she didn't have a family
their father and what an outstanding per-
moved during the test. Colonoscopy
history of colon cancer or any symptoms
finds 97 percent of colon tumors, and the
(in fact, she felt great, she says), her doc-
son he was. I'm also writing them a letter
ACS now recommends it for everyone age
tor encouraged her to get tested because
all about our courtship-and how we met
and why I fell in love with him. The idea
50 and over.
of her age. Last March, a colonoscopy
is that when they're older they can read
The unique advantage of colonoscopy
revealed a malignant rectal tumor. "I
about him and appreciate him. I've asked
is that it's the only cancer test that can
was absolutely shocked," she recalls. "I
never believed anything would be
people to write to my girls, and I've
actually prevent
received the most beautiful letters.
malignancy.
YOUR RISK AND YOUR AGE
Do the letters make you feel better, or is it
"There's a very
all a painful exercise?
strong argument
Your chance of getting colon cancer increases dramatically as you get
It's definitely painful, but part of the
that people who
older. Check this chart against your age to pinpoint your risk of
process. I think it will ultimately help.
have this test reg-
developing the disease, which strikes at an average age of 66:
But for now it reminds me how much I
ularly will never,
Ages
A Woman's Risk
A Man's Risk
miss him. Some of the letters I just can't
ever get colon
Birth to 39
1 in 2,000
read. Someday I will.
cancer, which
1 in 1,667
40 to 59
1 in 147
1 in 114
When you first went back on the Today
means it's much
60 to 79
1 in 31
1 in 24
show following Jay's death, you wore his
better for pre-
wedding ring around your neck on a
venting this dis-
Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, 1998
chain. Lately, you haven't been wearing it.
ease than mammograms are for breast
wrong with me. I've always been well."
Why did you stop?
cancer," says Robert J. Mayer, M.D., di-
She had surgery to remove the tumor,
The safety chain broke. I didn't stop for
rector of the Center for Gastrointestinal
and was relieved to learn that it was an
any symbolic reason. I just worry that
Oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer In-
early-stage cancer. She was deemed
without the safety clasp, I would lose it.
stitute in Boston. That's because virtu-
cured after the operation. "I'm very
It made me too nervous. And now I'm
ally all colon cancers begin as mush-
lucky," says Ely. "Now I'm telling my
not sure if I'll wear it again. It's a very
room-shaped or flat premalignant
clients, friends, and relatives to have the
outward symbol of one's grief, and I
growths called polyps. "About five to
test if they're fifty or over."
wore it because it made me feel very
ten percent may become cancerous, so if
Another, more famous survivor: for-
close to him, by touching it. It was
they're found and removed during
mer President Ronald Reagan, who had
a hard decision: whether he should
colonoscopy, you probably won't get
part of his intestines removed in 1985
wear the ring-or I should. I didn't know
cancer," explains Jose Guillem, M.D.,
after doctors discovered a malignant
what to do. All of my friends told me it
associate attending colorectal surgeon at
tumor through colonoscopy.
was okay for me to keep it. And I found
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cen-
a lot of solace in it. I don't think he
ter in New York City.
What's Your Life Worth?
would mind.
It appears that one colonoscopy is
Despite the lifesaving power of
Has throwing yourself back into work
enough to protect people at average risk
colonoscopy, Medicare and a number of
helped you cope?
for an entire decade, because polyps
other health plans won't pay for it. "This
You do what you have to do. I have chil-
grow very slowly, taking about five to
is unjust to the American public," says
dren to support. And kids just automati-
seven years to become the size of a pen-
Michael D. Moseson, M.D., a clinical as-
cally make you stronger. Work was a
way for me to keep going while Jay was
sick. For two hours I could distract
YOUR RISK AND YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
myself, and I think it serves the same
A person who has no cancer in her family has a one in 17 chance of developing colon cancer over a
purpose now.
lifetime. That risk increases if your relatives have had certain kinds of cancers. If you fall into any of the
What is your advice to couples who have
categories listed below, you should get a colonoscopy (total exam of the colon) by age 40, or ten years
been spared a life-threatening illness?
before the youngest age at which a family member received a diagnosis of colon cancer. If there are
Cherish each day. Get under the covers
several cases of colon cancer in your family, consider getting a genetic test at a major cancer center to
with your kids on a Saturday morning.
check for an inherited syndrome. Testing, which can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,400, can help
And even if your spouse drives you crazy
determine the age and frequency at which you need to be screened.
sometimes, remember what made you
fall in love to begin with. My daughter is
1. You have a distant relative-an uncle, aunt, or grandparent-who has/had colon cancer.
Your risk: 1.5 in 17
obsessed with The Wizard of Oz, and
there's one thing that Dorothy says
2. You have an immediate family member-a parent, sibling, or child-who has/had colon cancer.
Your risk: 2 or 3 in 17
toward the end of the movie that always
affects me so much: "IfI ever go looking
3. You have two or more members who have/had colon cancer, or have one relative
for my heart's desire again, I won't look
who developed the disease before age 50. Your risk: 3 or 4 in 17
any further than my own backyard."
4. You have one or more immediate ordistant relatives who have/had breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate
cancer. Your risk: 1.5 in 17
Our Safti-Gr
-LC.C.
to your tub.
188 good housekeeping|October 1998
Things To Do
"I feel fine."
"My schedule is too hectic."
7:00 Tennis Staff Meeting
9:00 Colon Cancer Test
"I'm only 50."
11:00 12:30 Dry Cleaning
MAKE THE TIME TO GET
1:45 Lunch w/ Rita
A TEST THAT COULD SAVE
3:00 Conference Call
YOUR LIFE.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cancer killer and every-
one aged 50 and older is at risk. More than 50,000 Americans
will die from colon cancer and 131,600 new cases will be
diagnosed this year.
Colon cancer is an equal-opportunity disease that affects both women and men. This silent
killer frequently begins without symptoms and those with a family history are at even
greater risk.
THE GOOD NEWS IS:
Colon cancer is preventable-even curable
when detected early. In fact, if cancer is found
early enough, the patient has more than a 90
percent chance of survival.
Colon cancer screenings are safe and effective and
are now covered by Medicare and an increasing
number of other health providers. There's even
a test that can be used in the privacy of your
own home.
Talk to your doctor about getting tested.
"You can prevent colon
cancer, even beat it."
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
AT 1-800-ACS-2345
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
TV PSAs
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-425₹
:60/:30/:15
NATIONAL
olorectal
"Hillary Rodham Clinton on Colon Cancer"
ancer
ROUNDTABLE
MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
Public Service Director:
COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
Dear having a disease that rarely in the produces United symptomsbutts
Agency for Healthcare Policy & Research
Imagine the most deadly cancer women and men risk. This
Alliance of Community Health Plans
cancer equal second frequency is a silent and killer everyone that Americans affects over will the age die diagnosed. from of 50 colorectal is at can-
American Academy of Family Physicians
year, more nearly than 131,600 50,000 new cases will be
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
cer and news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, and the dis- There even
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
The curable ease good could when reduce detected the about death which rate we by can more make than this 50 percent. claim. col-
American Digestive Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological Association
is First Colorectal orectal no Lady other cancer Hillary disease an urging everyone oublic Clinton has joined the information, deadly the age National about of 50
American Medical Association
we to get need
American Medical Women's Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
screened. your As spreading disease this PSA and do as
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Association of State & Territorial Directors of Health
the frequently schedule benefits help in it as when of possible. screening. viewers 1 over THE a 50 are to
Promotion & Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited
Colorectal Cancer
Sincerely,
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Slamu
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged, Inc.
Bernard Levin, National M.D. Colorectal Prevention Cancer Roundtable
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
Chairman, President for Cancer Center
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
Vice M.D. Anderson Cancer
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1ST WOMAN: Okay, who's up for lunch?
2ND WOMAN: Oh yeah. It's just a colon
3RD WOMAN: I'm supposed to get screened
2ND WOMAN: Oh, sorry. I've got to take
cancer test.
too, but I don't have the time
my husband to the doctor.
4TH WOMAN: But he's so young.
3RD WOMAN: Is everything okay?
Only fifty-two.
MAKE THE TIME TO get A TEST
THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.
Call the American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
ancer
Hillary Rodham Clintom
BOUNDTABLE
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: Colon can-
But you can beat it if it's detecred early.
ANNCR: Call 1-800-ACS-2345.
cer kills over 50,000 people a year and
So if you're fifty or older please get tested.
strikes women nearly as often as men.
It can save your life.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Colorectal Cancer Public Service Announcements
Featuring First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
WHAT: Television, print, and radio public service announcements (PSAs)
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
on the importance of screening to prevent and detect colorectal
cancer. Television and radio PSAs are available in :15, :30 and :60
Member Organizations:
formats. The print PSA is available in a variety of dimensions.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WHO:
The PSAs feature First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton urging all
Health Plans
Americans over the age of 50 to see their doctors about getting
American Academy of
Family Physicians
screened for colorectal cancer. The PSAs are sponsored by the
American College of
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Gastroenterology
professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations,
American College of Physicians
committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early
American College of Radiology
detection of colorectal cancer (see Roundtable fact sheet).
American Digestive
Health Foundation
WHY:
50,000 Americans die every year from colorectal cancer, the
American Gastroenterological
Association
second leading cancer killer, and the disease affects women nearly
American Medical Association
as often as men. Everyone aged 50 and older is at risk for
American Medical
developing colorectal cancer, and those with a family history are at
Women's Association
even greater risk. However, colorectal cancer is preventable, even
American Society of Colon
and Rectal Surgeons
curable, when detected early. In fact, widespread screening for
American Society for
colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate by over 50 percent.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
There is no other disease about which we can make this claim.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
Everyone 50 and older should see his or her doctor about getting
Promotion and Public Health
screened for colorectal cancer.
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
WHERE: The television PSAs will be available via satellite broadcast on the
Collaborative Group of the
following days:
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Thursday, September 10th
Friday, September 11th
Cancer Center
7:30pm to 7:45pm EDT
1:00pm to 1:15pm EDT
National Cancer Institute
Satellite GE1, Transponder 1
Satellite Telestar 4, Transponder 23
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
Downlink 3720
Downlink 4160
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
The PSAs will be widely distributed to television, radio and print public service
directors across the country. A nationally distributed trade publication for television
PSA directors will feature Mrs. Clinton's PSAs in the September issue, and the PSAs
also will be distributed through the grassroots efforts of the member organizations of
the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
For copies of the television, radio or print PSAs, contact Bill Goodwill at (703) 426-0881.
###
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Roundtable Member Organization Launches
Chat Room on Colorectal Cancer
www.gastro.org/adhf.html
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
On September 10th, 1998, the American Digestive Health FoundationSM's
(ADHFSM) Digestive Health Initiative (DHI) will debut its Internet chat
Member Organizations:
room on colorectal cancer. Located at www.gastro.org/adhf.html, this public
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal cancer patients, family
Alliance of Community
members, survivors, and people at high risk for developing the disease to
Health Plans
engage in live, real-time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal
American Academy of
Family Physicians
cancer. At this same electronic location, the DHI also will offer a colorectal
American College of
cancer message board, on which participants can post questions, answers,
Gastroenterology
information about resources, and topics for discussion concerning this disease.
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
In addition to the address above, the chat room can be accessed through the
American Digestive
home pages of the three ADHF member societies:
Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological
Association
American Gastroenterological Association: www.gastro.org
American Medical Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: www.asge.org
American Medical
Women's Association
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases:
American Society of Colon
www.hepar-sfgh.ucsf.edu
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
"Guest of the Month" Feature
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Each month, the DHI colorectal cancer chat room will feature a guest expert.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
These guest experts, drawn from the medical, patient support, and cancer
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survivor communities, will be scheduled to appear live in the chat room to
Digestive Diseases
discuss their personal and professional experiences with colorectal cancer.
National Coalition
Throughout the month, the guest experts will also respond to questions and
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
topics of discussion posted on the message board.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
September's live guest will be actress and colorectal cancer survivor Barbara
National Cancer Institute
Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the 1997
National Caucus and Center
book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. Ms. Barrie
on Black Aged. Inc.
will participate live in the chat room on September 11th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
EDT to discuss her personal experience and will respond to inquiries on the
Foundation
University of Minnesota
message board during the month of September. Dr. Bernard Levin, vice
Cancer Center
president for Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
University of Texas
Houston and chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, also
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
will be available during the last two weeks of September to respond to message board questions
and comments.
See the opening page of the chat room for information on future guest experts.
The American Digestive Health Foundation is a cooperative effort of the American
Gastroenterological Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The ADHF promotes digestive health for
all Americans by supporting educational initiatives and research into the causes, prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive and liver diseases. The ADHF funds basic research,
clinical research, and investigations into prevention strategies, and has established four
interdependent initiatives to advance its digestive health agenda.
###
* National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable member.
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Founding Organizations:
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical
American Cancer Society
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, committed to
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer. The Roundtable's ongoing mission is to reduce the incidence of and
Member Organizations:
mortality from this disease by achieving screening rates for colorectal cancer
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
that are equivalent to screening rates for other cancers (currently four out of
Alliance of Community
five people
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the US, causing the
American College of
deaths of more than 50,000 Americans every year. Men and women over the
Gastroenterology
age of 50, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, are most at risk
American College of Physicians
for developing this disease.
American College of Radiology
American Digestive
Health Foundation
To advance its major objectives, the Roundtable has set the following goals:
American Gastroenterological
Association
Develop a national strategic plan for the early detection and control of
American Medical Association
colorectal cancer.
American Medical
Women's Association
Advocate for key policy issues that will help reduce colorectal cancer
American Society of Colon
rates.
and Rectal Surgeons
Identify research needs and potential barriers to reducing colorectal cancer
American Society for
rates, and recommend solutions.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and
Develop and sustain partnerships to enhance efforts in the prevention and
Territorial Directors of Health
early detection of colorectal cancer.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Monitor progress in disease reduction efforts and participation in
Digestive Diseases
screening.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Produce periodic reports on the current state of colorectal cancer control,
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
and progress towards national objectives.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
For more information on the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, call Dr.
National Cancer Institute
Gabriel Feldman at the American Cancer Society, (404) 329-7504.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
###
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
*
Breast and cervical cancers.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Member Organizations of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research
Alliance of Community Health Plans
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Digestive Health FoundationSM
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Private Industry Partnerships
Promoting Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Detection
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, has developed
partnerships with private industry to raise awareness of the importance of
Member Organizations:
colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. These national companies,
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
with their powerful reach, have committed to activities that will educate
Alliance of Community
hundreds of thousands of Americans over the age of 50 about the importance
Health Plans
of getting screened for colorectal cancer, the nation's second leading cancer
American Academy of
Family Physicians
killer.
American College of
Gastroenterology
American Airlines
American College of Physicians
American Airlines will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's public
American College of Radiology
service announcement on colon cancer in its in-flight magazine, American
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Way, reaching approximately two million air travelers in the US and around
American Gastroenterological
the world. In addition, American Airlines' in-house medical staff will provide
Association
free colorectal cancer screening cards to more than 200,000
American Medical Association
employees, spouses and retirees.
American Medical
Women's Association
American Society of Colon
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
and Rectal Surgeons
American Greetings will create a prescription insert reflecting National
American Society for
Colorectal Cancer Roundtable messages about prevention and early detection.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The National Association of Chain Drugstores will distribute the insert to its
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
30,000 chain pharmacies and 90,000 chain pharmacists. Beginning in early
Promotion and Public Health
Education
1999, individuals having prescriptions filled at participating drugstores and
Digestive Diseases
pharmacies will receive the insert in their prescription bags.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.
Cancer
Beckman Coulter/SKD will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
public service announcement on colorectal cancer through the company
Cancer Center
intranet and in-house publication, Beckman Coulter Life, reaching more than
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center
10,000 employees worldwide. SKD-trained representatives and an in-house
on Black Aged, Inc.
support staff of 50 will promote the message about screening for colorectal
STOP Colorectal Cancer
cancer by making themselves, and SKD's Basic Training TM Patient Education
Foundation
Program, available to National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable participants and
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
partners.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Bristol-Mvers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology has provided an initial $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that companies
nationwide can adopt at no cost. Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology will initiate the program at all
of its work sites.
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly will conduct a new employee education campaign to increase awareness about the
prevention of colon cancer through regular screenings. The campaign will reach more than
31,000 Lilly employees worldwide and their families using the public service materials
developed by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, as well as educational materials
created by the company's employee health services department in cooperation with corporate
communications. Lilly will inform employees through a number of venues, including
publications and its in-house television network.
General Motors Corporation
General Motors will publish an article on the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and
early detection in its newsletter, Feelin' Good, which is distributed to 1.5 million employees,
retirees, and families. The article will encourage employees to access the audio-tapes General
Motors has in its Audio Health Library on colorectal cancer risk factors, early detection
guidelines, signs and symptoms, and treatment, and will encourage enrollees in the corporation's
wellness program to discuss any colorectal cancer questions or symptoms with registered nurses
available through a toll-free number. The article also will contain information on how readers
can access General Motors' web site information on the prevention and early detection of
colorectal cancer, and will encourage employees to read the information on the disease contained
in their wellness program self-care manuals.
Kellogg Company
Kellogg will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection messages to a variety of
audiences, including: consumers via five million packages of Kellogg's All Bran and Bran Buds;
5,000 hospital health care sites; 5,000 health care professionals; 500 retailers; and to its
thousands of employees and retirees through its publication, The Kellogg News. In addition,
Kellogg Company will provide in-store consumer education messages in 12,000 stores, as well
as information on the Internet generating approximately five million "hits" per month.
Olympus America Inc.
Olympus America will sponsor and videotape a "Colorectal Cancer Education -What Everyone
Needs to Know" program which will be open to employees, family members and the general
public. Olympus will initiate a direct mailing to the administrators of retirement communities
across the country, offering copies of the videotaped program at no cost, and will show the
videotaped program at the five Olympus Service Center branches in Atlanta, Cleveland,
Chicago, Dallas, and Long Beach.
The program will be held at Olympus America headquarters in Melville, NY, or at a local
medical university, and will be repeated at Olympus' repair and distribution facility in San Jose,
CA. A panel of leading experts will speak about the problem of colorectal cancer, as well as
solutions, including preventive measures, nutrition, and screening. The program will be
promoted through a direct mail piece and internal Olympus Bulletin.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
Zeneca will offer to all employees over the age of 40 a new educational session on nutrition and
its role in colorectal cancer, as well as a new session on the importance of screening women for
colorectal cancer. In addition, a new work-site guide for detection/screening for colorectal
cancer will be issued for customer use.
###
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
White House
Event on
New Efforts
to Promote
Colon Cancer
Prevention
September 10, 1998
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The Facts About Colorectal Cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Almost all cases of colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer,
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
begin with the development of benign colonic polyps.
Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an
Member Organizations:
unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
These polyps can be cancerous, invading the colon wall and surrounding
Alliance of Community
blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body.
Health Plans
American Academy of
Colorectal cancer frequently begins without symptoms.
Family Physicians
American College of
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, but the disease
American College of Radiology
appears to be caused by both inherited and lifestyle factors.
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables - such as those that
American Gastroenterological
include red meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy products - may increase
Association
the risk of colorectal cancer.
American Medical Association
Lifestyle factors -such as cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and
American Medical
Women's Association
obesity - also may increase the risk of developing the disease.
American Society of Colon
Genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to the disease,
and Rectal Surgeons
whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine which at-risk
American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
individuals actually go on to develop the disease.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
How Common is Colorectal Cancer?
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States,
and the third most common cancer overall.
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
This year, more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
and approximately 131,600 new cases will be diagnosed.
Cancer Center
Eighty to 90 million Americans (approximately 25 percent of the US
National Cancer Institute
population) are considered at risk because of age or other factors.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
More women over the age of 75 die from colorectal cancer than from
STOP Colorectal Cancer
breast cancer.
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Who Is At Risk?
Men and women aged 50 and older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) are at
high risk of developing the disease.
Anyone who has a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
or Crohn's disease, is also at high risk.
Although the incidence of colorectal cancer appears to be the same among all racial groups,
survival rates seem to be lower for African-Americans.
How Can You Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
Know your family history.
See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are aged 50 or older.
Maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Exercise regularly.
Prevent obesity.
Avoid cigarette smoking.
What You Need To Know
...
Early detection saves lives - colorectal cancer is preventable, even curable when detected
early.
If colorectal cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
survival.
Colorectal cancer screenings are safe and effective and are now covered by Medicare and an
increasing number of other health providers.
Several screening methods can be used to detect polyps before they become cancerous, such
as fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium x-ray. These
tests also can detect cancer in its early stages.
###
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON HOSTS WHITE HOUSE EVENT TO
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
PROMOTE PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION OF
COLORECTAL CANCER
Member Organizations:
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
First Lady Joins National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable In Urging
Alliance of Community
Americans Over 50 to Get Tested
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
American College of
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Today at the White House, First
Gastroenterology
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Physicians
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American College of Radiology
early detection of the disease. Joining Mrs. Clinton at the event were
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala,
American Gastroenterological
co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show Katie Couric, National Colorectal Cancer
Association
Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, and Good Housekeeping Editor-in-
American Medical Association
Chief Ellen Levine. More than 50,000 Americans die each year from
American Medical
Women's Association
colorectal cancer, which is preventable and even curable when detected early.
American Society of Colon
Men and women over the age of 50 are at risk for developing this disease.
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
In urging age 50 and older Americans to be screened for colorectal cancer,
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Mrs. Clinton said, "You can prevent colon cancer, even beat it. In fact, if
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survival." Dr. Levin, echoing Mrs. Clinton's comments, said, "widespread
Digestive Diseases
screening for colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate from this killer by
National Coalition
over 50 percent. There is no other disease about which we can make this
Collaborative Group of the
claim."
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
To underscore their efforts, Mrs. Clinton, who at the event was made
Cancer Center
Honorary Chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, unveiled
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center
survey results and several new initiatives to help spread the word about the
on Black Aged. Inc.
importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Results of National Survey
Results of a national colorectal cancer awareness survey, commissioned by the Roundtable (a
coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations) and
conducted by the Gallup Organization, were released at the White House event (see news release
on survey results). The survey found that nearly 50 percent of people over age 50 - the age
group considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer - - have never been screened for
the disease. Of those people, most reported that no medical professional had ever recommended
a screening test for colorectal cancer.
Public Service Announcements
Dr. Levin unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, sponsored by the
Roundtable and featuring the First Lady. In the television, print, and radio PSAs, shown during
the event, Mrs. Clinton urges all Americans over the age of 50 to be screened for colorectal
cancer, a test that could save their lives. The print PSA will appear in the January issue of Good
Housekeeping.
The PSAs will be distributed nationally via satellite broadcast and mailings to public service
directors across the country. The PSAs also will receive additional distribution and visibility
through the grassroots efforts of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable members (see
Roundtable fact sheet for list of members).
Colorectal Cancer Chat Room
As a member of the Roundtable, the American Digestive Health FoundationˢM's Digestive
Health Initiative debuted its Internet chat room on colorectal cancer located at
www.gastro.org/adhf.html. This public to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal
cancer patients, family members, survivors, and people at high risk for the disease to engage in
live, real time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal cancer.
Each month, the chat room will feature a guest expert, beginning with actress and colorectal
cancer survivor Barbara Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the
1997 book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. On September 11th, from
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EDT, Ms. Barrie will appear in the chat room live to discuss her personal
experience as a colorectal cancer survivor. In addition, Ms. Barrie will respond to questions
posted on the chat room's message board during the month of September.
Private Sector Partnerships
In its efforts to spread the word about the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early
detection, the Roundtable sought and secured partnerships with members of private industry,
which were announced at the White House event. In her remarks, Mrs. Clinton recognized the
following companies for the activities they will undertake to raise awareness about the
importance of colon cancer prevention and screening among their employees and customers (see
Private Sector Partnerships fact sheet for details on individual company activities):
American Airlines
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.
Bristol Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Eli Lilly and Company
General Motors Corporation
Kellogg Company
National Association of Chain Drugstores
Olympus America Inc.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
###
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
SURVEY SHOWS NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS AT RISK FOR
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
COLON CANCER ARE NOT BEING SCREENED
Member Organizations
Large Number Report That Physicians Are Not Recommending Tests
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Survey results released today at
Health Plans
a White House event on new efforts to promote colorectal cancer prevention
American Academy of
Family Physicians
reveal that nearly half of all adults aged 50 and older -the age group
American College of
considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer -have not been
Gastroenterology
screened for the disease. The White House event was hosted by First Lady
American College of Physicians
Hillary Rodham Clinton, who announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Radiology
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American Digestive
Health Foundation
early detection of the disease. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer,
American Gastroenterological
kills more than 50,000 Americans each year, even though it is preventable and
Association
curable when detected early.
American Medical Association
American Medical
Women's Association
The survey, conducted for the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable by the
American Society of Colon
Gallup Organization, underscores the need for new national initiatives
and Rectal Surgeons
promoting colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. One of the most
American Society for
alarming findings is that most of the 47 percent of people over 50 not being
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
screened for colorectal cancer reported that no medical professional had ever
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
recommended screening.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
"Physicians must make testing for colorectal cancer a part of their medical
National Coalition
practices," said Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, vice president for
Collaborative Group of the
Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "I have
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
spent too much of my professional career delivering bad news to people
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
whose lives and health could have been saved if they had been screened for
Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
this preventable disease."
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
Although colorectal cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men and
STOP Colorectal Cancer
women, the survey found that women aged 50 and older are less likely than
Foundation
men in this same age group to undergo screening (49 percent of women
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
reported not having been screened versus 36 percent of men). Dramatic
University of Texas
differences were also seen between whites and non-whites. Among survey
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
respondents, 44 percent of whites reported not having had any of the three tests - fecal occult
blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium x-ray - compared to 56 percent of non-whites.
The majority of adults surveyed seem to believe that early detection can save lives; however,
when asked what they could do to help prevent colorectal cancer, fewer than half cited regular
screening tests. Even fewer mentioned dietary changes, such as eating a high-fiber diet (21
percent), or general references to diet (20 percent). A sizable minority (22 percent) could not
name anything a person might do to help prevent colorectal cancer.
Asked to estimate their own chances for developing colorectal cancer, one in five adults (20
percent) believe they are very likely to develop cancer of the colon or rectum. Another 35
percent say it is somewhat likely they will develop the disease. A small proportion - one
percent - reported they already have colon or rectal cancer. Sixteen percent could not estimate
their chances of getting colorectal cancer.
The Gallup Organization conducted telephone interviews from August 11 through August 23,
1998, with a national sample of 1,062 adults aged 50 or older, to examine the knowledge and
experience of adults with testing for colorectal cancer.
###
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and
voluntary organizations committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer.
BERNARD LEVIN, MD
Gastroenterologist
Bernard Levin, MD, currently is professor of medicine and vice president for cancer prevention
at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Prior to his fourteen
years at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Levin was associate professor of medicine and attending physician
at University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics.
For the American Digestive Health Foundation (ADHFSM), Dr. Levin serves as co-chair of the
Digestive Health Initiative Colorectal Cancer Education Campaign. He also is chair of the
American Cancer Society's National Advisory Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and recently
was appointed as chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
Affiliated with a number of professional organizations, Dr. Levin is a member of the American
Gastroenterological Association and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He
participates as a consultant to the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Levin has written extensively for distinguished medical publications including Journal of the
National Cancer Institute, Gastroenterology, the International Journal of Cancer, Cancer and
Science.
A graduate of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Levin
completed fellowships in gastroenterology and biochemistry in pathology at the University of
Chicago.
Things To Do
"I feel fine."
"My schedule is too hectic."
7:00 Tennis Staff Meeting
9:00 Colon Cancer Test
"I'm only 50."
11:00 12:30 Dry Cleaning Rita
MAKE THE TIME TO GET
1:45 Lunch w/
A TEST THAT COULD SAVE
3:00 Conference Call
YOUR LIFE.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cancer killer and every-
one aged 50 and older is at risk. More than 50,000 Americans
will die from colon cancer and 131,600 new cases will be
diagnosed this year.
Colon cancer is an equal-opportunity disease that affects both women and men. This silent
killer frequently begins without symptoms and those with a family history are at even
greater risk.
THE GOOD NEWS IS:
Colon cancer is preventable-even curable
when detected early. In fact, if cancer is found
early enough, the patient has more than a 90
percent chance of survival.
Colon cancer screenings are safe and effective and
are now covered by Medicare and an increasing
number of other health providers. There's even
a test that can be used in the privacy of your
own home.
Talk to your doctor about getting tested.
"You can prevent colon
cancer, even beat it."
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER Society
AT 1-800-ACS-2345
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
TV PSAs
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta. GA 30329-4251
:60/:30/:15
olorectal
"Hillary Rodham Clinton on Colon Cancer"
ancer
ROUNDTABLE
MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
Public Service Director:
COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
Dear having a disease that rarely in the produces United symptoms but is symptoms buttal
Agency for Healthcare Policy & Research
Imagine the cancer equal second frequency is a most silent deadly and killer everyone that cancer Americans affects over women will the age die and diagnosed. from of 50 men colorectal is at risk. This can-
Alliance of Community Health Plans
American Academy of Family Physicians
year, more nearly than 131,600 50,000 new cases will be
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
cer and news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, and the dis- There even
American College of Physicians
The curable ease good could when reduce disease detected the about death which rate we by can more make than this 50 percent. claim.
American College of Radiology
American Digestive Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological Association
is First Colorectal orectal screened. no Lady other cancer Hillary As an and urging everyone oublic the Clinton has joined the information, deadly the age National air disease about of this 50 we PSA to col- and get need as
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Association of State & Territorial Directors of Health
your the frequently schedule benefits help in it as when of spreading possible. screening. viewers 1 We over 50 are do to
Promotion & Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited
Colorectal Cancer
Sincerely,
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Slamin
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged, Inc.
Bernard Levin, National M.D. Colorectal Prevention Cancer Roundtable
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
Chairman, President for Cancer Center
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
Vice M.D. Anderson Cancer
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1ST WOMAN: Okay, who's up for lunch?
2ND WOMAN: Oh yeah. It's just a colon
3RD WOMAN: I'm supposed to get screened
2ND WOMAN: Oh, sorry. I've got to take
cancer test.
too, but I don't have the time.
my husband to the doctor.
4TH WOMAN: But he's SO young.
3RD WOMAN: Is everything okay?
Only fifty-two.
MAKE THE TIME TO get A TEST
THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.
Call the American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
ancer
Hillary Rodham Clinton
SOUNDTABLE
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: Colon can-
But you can beat it if it's detected early.
ANNCR: Call 1-800-ACS-2345.
cer kills over 50,000 people a year and
So if you're fifty or older please get tested.
strikes women nearly as often as men.
It can save your life.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Colorectal Cancer Public Service Announcements
Featuring First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
WHAT:
Television, print, and radio public service announcements (PSAs)
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
on the importance of screening to prevent and detect colorectal
cancer. Television and radio PSAs are available in :15, :30 and :60
Member Organizations:
formats. The print PSA is available in a variety of dimensions.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WHO:
The PSAs feature First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton urging all
Health Plans
Americans over the age of 50 to see their doctors about getting
American Academy of
Family Physicians
screened for colorectal cancer. The PSAs are sponsored by the
American College of
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Gastroenterology
professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations,
American College of Physicians
committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early
American College of Radiology
detection of colorectal cancer (see Roundtable fact sheet).
American Digestive
Health Foundation
WHY:
50,000 Americans die every year from colorectal cancer, the
American Gastroenterological
Association
second leading cancer killer, and the disease affects women nearly
American Medical Association
as often as men. Everyone aged 50 and older is at risk for
American Medical
developing colorectal cancer, and those with a family history are at
Women's Association
even greater risk. However, colorectal cancer is preventable, even
American Society of Colon
and Rectal Surgeons
curable, when detected early. In fact, widespread screening for
American Society for
colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate by over 50 percent.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
There is no other disease about which we can make this claim.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
Everyone 50 and older should see his or her doctor about getting
Promotion and Public Health
screened for colorectal cancer.
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
WHERE: The television PSAs will be available via satellite broadcast on the
Collaborative Group of the
following days:
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Thursday, September 10th
Friday, September 11th
Cancer Center
7:30pm to 7:45pm EDT
1:00pm to 1:15pm EDT
National Cancer Institute
Satellite GE1, Transponder 1
Satellite Telestar 4, Transponder 23
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
Downlink 3720
Downlink 4160
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
The PSAs will be widely distributed to television, radio and print public service
directors across the country. A nationally distributed trade publication for television
PSA directors will feature Mrs. Clinton's PSAs in the September issue, and the PSAs
also will be distributed through the grassroots efforts of the member organizations of
the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
For copies of the television, radio or print PSAs, contact Bill Goodwill at (703) 426-0881.
###
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Roundtable Member Organization Launches
Chat Room on Colorectal Cancer
www.gastro.org/adhf.html
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
On September 10th, 1998, the American Digestive Health FoundationSM's
(ADHFSM) Digestive Health Initiative® (DHI®) will debut its Internet chat
Member Organizations:
room on colorectal cancer. Located at www.gastro.org/adhf.html, this public
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal cancer patients, family
Alliance of Community
members, survivors, and people at high risk for developing the disease to
Health Plans
engage in live, real-time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal
American Academy of
Family Physicians
cancer. At this same electronic location, the DHI also will offer a colorectal
American College of
cancer message board, on which participants can post questions, answers,
Gastroenterology
information about resources, and topics for discussion concerning this disease.
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
In addition to the address above, the chat room can be accessed through the
American Digestive
home pages of the three ADHF member societies:
Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological
Association
American Gastroenterological Association: www.gastro.org
American Medical Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: www.asge.org
American Medical
Women's Association
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases:
American Society of Colon
www.hepar-sfgh.ucsf.edu
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
"Guest of the Month" Feature
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Each month, the DHI colorectal cancer chat room will feature a guest expert.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
These guest experts, drawn from the medical, patient support, and cancer
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survivor communities, will be scheduled to appear live in the chat room to
Digestive Diseases
discuss their personal and professional experiences with colorectal cancer.
National Coalition
Throughout the month, the guest experts will also respond to questions and
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
topics of discussion posted on the message board.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
September's live guest will be actress and colorectal cancer survivor Barbara
National Cancer Institute
Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the 1997
National Caucus and Center
book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. Ms. Barrie
on Black Aged, Inc.
will participate live in the chat room on September 11th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
EDT to discuss her personal experience and will respond to inquiries on the
Foundation
University of Minnesota
message board during the month of September. Dr. Bernard Levin, vice
Cancer Center
president for Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
University of Texas
Houston and chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, also
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
will be available during the last two weeks of September to respond to message board questions
and comments.
See the opening page of the chat room for information on future guest experts.
The American Digestive Health Foundation is a cooperative effort of the American
Gastroenterological Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The ADHF promotes digestive health for
all Americans by supporting educational initiatives and research into the causes, prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive and liver diseases. The ADHF funds basic research,
clinical research, and investigations into prevention strategies, and has established four
interdependent initiatives to advance its digestive health agenda.
###
* National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable member.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Founding Organizations:
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical
American Cancer Society
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, committed to
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer. The Roundtable's ongoing mission is to reduce the incidence of and
Member Organizations
mortality from this disease by achieving screening rates for colorectal cancer
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
that are equivalent to screening rates for other cancers (currently four out of
Alliance of Community
five people*
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the US, causing the
American College of
deaths of more than 50,000 Americans every year. Men and women over the
Gastroenterology
age of 50, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, are most at risk
American College of Physicians
for developing this disease.
American College of Radiology
American Digestive
Health Foundation
To advance its major objectives, the Roundtable has set the following goals:
American Gastroenterological
Association
Develop a national strategic plan for the early detection and control of
American Medical Association
colorectal cancer.
American Medical
Women's Association
Advocate for key policy issues that will help reduce colorectal cancer
American Society of Colon
rates.
and Rectal Surgeons
Identify research needs and potential barriers to reducing colorectal cancer
American Society for
rates, and recommend solutions.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and
Develop and sustain partnerships to enhance efforts in the prevention and
Territorial Directors of Health
early detection of colorectal cancer.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Monitor progress in disease reduction efforts and participation in
Digestive Diseases
screening.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Produce periodic reports on the current state of colorectal cancer control,
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
and progress towards national objectives.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
For more information on the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, call Dr.
National Cancer Institute
Gabriel Feldman at the American Cancer Society, (404) 329-7504.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
###
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
* Breast and cervical cancers.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Member Organizations of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research
Alliance of Community Health Plans
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Digestive Health Foundation SM
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Private Industry Partnerships
Promoting Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Detection
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, has developed
partnerships with private industry to raise awareness of the importance of
Member Organizations:
colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. These national companies,
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
with their powerful reach, have committed to activities that will educate
Alliance of Community
hundreds of thousands of Americans over the age of 50 about the importance
Health Plans
of getting screened for colorectal cancer, the nation's second leading cancer
American Academy of
Family Physicians
killer.
American College of
Gastroenterology
American Airlines
American College of Physicians
American Airlines will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's public
American College of Radiology
service announcement on colon cancer in its in-flight magazine, American
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Way, reaching approximately two million air travelers in the US and around
American Gastroenterological
the world. In addition, American Airlines' in-house medical staff will provide
Association
free colorectal cancer screening cards to more than 200,000
American Medical Association
employees, spouses and retirees.
American Medical
Women's Association
American Society of Colon
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
and Rectal Surgeons
American Greetings will create a prescription insert reflecting National
American Society for
Colorectal Cancer Roundtable messages about prevention and early detection.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The National Association of Chain Drugstores will distribute the insert to its
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
30,000 chain pharmacies and 90,000 chain pharmacists. Beginning in early
Promotion and Public Health
Education
1999, individuals having prescriptions filled at participating drugstores and
Digestive Diseases
pharmacies will receive the insert in their prescription bags.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics. Inc.
Cancer
Beckman Coulter/SKD will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
public service announcement on colorectal cancer through the company
Cancer Center
intranet and in-house publication, Beckman Coulter Life, reaching more than
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center
10,000 employees worldwide. SKD-trained representatives and an in-house
on Black Aged. Inc.
support staff of 50 will promote the message about screening for colorectal
STOP Colorectal Cancer
cancer by making themselves, and SKD's Basic Training TM Patient Education
Foundation
Program, available to National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable participants and
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
partners.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology has provided an initial $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that companies
nationwide can adopt at no cost. Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology will initiate the program at all
of its work sites.
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly will conduct a new employee education campaign to increase awareness about the
prevention of colon cancer through regular screenings. The campaign will reach more than
31,000 Lilly employees worldwide and their families using the public service materials
developed by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, as well as educational materials
created by the company's employee health services department in cooperation with corporate
communications. Lilly will inform employees through a number of venues, including
publications and its in-house television network.
General Motors Corporation
General Motors will publish an article on the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and
early detection in its newsletter, Feelin' Good, which is distributed to 1.5 million employees,
retirees, and families. The article will encourage employees to access the audio-tapes General
Motors has in its Audio Health Library on colorectal cancer risk factors, early detection
guidelines, signs and symptoms, and treatment, and will encourage enrollees in the corporation's
wellness program to discuss any colorectal cancer questions or symptoms with registered nurses
available through a toll-free number. The article also will contain information on how readers
can access General Motors' web site information on the prevention and early detection of
colorectal cancer, and will encourage employees to read the information on the disease contained
in their wellness program self-care manuals.
Kellogg Company
Kellogg will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection messages to a variety of
audiences, including: consumers via five million packages of Kellogg's All Bran and Bran Buds;
5,000 hospital health care sites; 5,000 health care professionals; 500 retailers; and to its
thousands of employees and retirees through its publication, The Kellogg News. In addition,
Kellogg Company will provide in-store consumer education messages in 12,000 stores, as well
as information on the Internet generating approximately five million "hits" per month.
Olympus America Inc.
Olympus America will sponsor and videotape a "Colorectal Cancer Education -What Everyone
Needs to Know" program which will be open to employees, family members and the general
public. Olympus will initiate a direct mailing to the administrators of retirement communities
across the country, offering copies of the videotaped program at no cost, and will show the
videotaped program at the five Olympus Service Center branches in Atlanta, Cleveland,
Chicago, Dallas, and Long Beach.
The program will be held at Olympus America headquarters in Melville, NY, or at a local
medical university, and will be repeated at Olympus' repair and distribution facility in San Jose,
CA. A panel of leading experts will speak about the problem of colorectal cancer, as well as
solutions, including preventive measures, nutrition, and screening. The program will be
promoted through a direct mail piece and internal Olympus Bulletin.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
Zeneca will offer to all employees over the age of 40 a new educational session on nutrition and
its role in colorectal cancer, as well as a new session on the importance of screening women for
colorectal cancer. In addition, a new work-site guide for detection/screening for colorectal
cancer will be issued for customer use.
###
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
White House
Event on
New Efforts
to Promote
Colon Cancer
Prevention
September 10, 1998
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON HOSTS WHITE HOUSE EVENT TO
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
PROMOTE PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION OF
COLORECTAL CANCER
Member Organizations:
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
First Lady Joins National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable In Urging
Alliance of Community
Americans Over 50 to Get Tested
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
American College of
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Today at the White House, First
Gastroenterology
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Physicians
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American College of Radiology
early detection of the disease. Joining Mrs. Clinton at the event were
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala,
American Gastroenterological
co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show Katie Couric, National Colorectal Cancer
Association
Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, and Good Housekeeping Editor-in-
American Medical Association
Chief Ellen Levine. More than 50,000 Americans die each year from
American Medical
Women's Association
colorectal cancer, which is preventable and even curable when detected early.
American Society of Colon
Men and women over the age of 50 are at risk for developing this disease.
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
In urging age 50 and older Americans to be screened for colorectal cancer,
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Mrs. Clinton said, "You can prevent colon cancer, even beat it. In fact, if
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survival." Dr. Levin, echoing Mrs. Clinton's comments, said, "widespread
Digestive Diseases
screening for colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate from this killer by
National Coalition
over 50 percent. There is no other disease about which we can make this
Collaborative Group of the
claim."
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
To underscore their efforts, Mrs. Clinton, who at the event was made
Cancer Center
Honorary Chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, unveiled
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center
survey results and several new initiatives to help spread the word about the
on Black Aged. Inc.
importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Results of National Survey
Results of a national colorectal cancer awareness survey, commissioned by the Roundtable (a
coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations) and
conducted by the Gallup Organization, were released at the White House event (see news release
on survey results). The survey found that nearly 50 percent of people over age 50 - the age
group considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer - have never been screened for
the disease. Of those people, most reported that no medical professional had ever recommended
a screening test for colorectal cancer.
Public Service Announcements
Dr. Levin unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, sponsored by the
Roundtable and featuring the First Lady. In the television, print, and radio PSAs, shown during
the event, Mrs. Clinton urges all Americans over the age of 50 to be screened for colorectal
cancer, a test that could save their lives. The print PSA will appear in the January issue of Good
Housekeeping.
The PSAs will be distributed nationally via satellite broadcast and mailings to public service
directors across the country. The PSAs also will receive additional distribution and visibility
through the grassroots efforts of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable members (see
Roundtable fact sheet for list of members).
Colorectal Cancer Chat Room
As a member of the Roundtable, the American Digestive Health FoundationSM, Digestive
Health Initiative debuted its Internet chat room on colorectal cancer located at
www.gastro.org/adhf.html. This public to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal
cancer patients, family members, survivors, and people at high risk for the disease to engage in
live, real time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal cancer.
Each month, the chat room will feature a guest expert, beginning with actress and colorectal
cancer survivor Barbara Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the
1997 book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. On September 11th, from
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EDT, Ms. Barrie will appear in the chat room live to discuss her personal
experience as a colorectal cancer survivor. In addition, Ms. Barrie will respond to questions
posted on the chat room's message board during the month of September.
Private Sector Partnerships
In its efforts to spread the word about the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early
detection, the Roundtable sought and secured partnerships with members of private industry,
which were announced at the White House event. In her remarks, Mrs. Clinton recognized the
following companies for the activities they will undertake to raise awareness about the
importance of colon cancer prevention and screening among their employees and customers (see
Private Sector Partnerships fact sheet for details on individual company activities):
American Airlines
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.
Bristol Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Eli Lilly and Company
General Motors Corporation
Kellogg Company
National Association of Chain Drugstores
Olympus America Inc.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
###
c/o American Cancer Society
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Carole Anikis
(301) 941-2626
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
SURVEY SHOWS NEARLY HALF OF AMERICANS AT RISK FOR
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
COLON CANCER ARE NOT BEING SCREENED
Member Organizations:
Large Number Report That Physicians Are Not Recommending Tests
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 1998) - Survey results released today at
Health Plans
a White House event on new efforts to promote colorectal cancer prevention
American Academy of
Family Physicians
reveal that nearly half of all adults aged 50 and older -the age group
American College of
considered at highest risk for developing colorectal cancer -have not been
Gastroenterology
screened for the disease. The White House event was hosted by First Lady
American College of Physicians
Hillary Rodham Clinton, who announced her support for raising awareness of
American College of Radiology
colorectal cancer and unveiled new efforts to promote the prevention and
American Digestive
Health Foundation
early detection of the disease. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer,
American Gastroenterological
kills more than 50,000 Americans each year, even though it is preventable and
Association
curable when detected early.
American Medical Association
American Medical
Women's Association
The survey, conducted for the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable by the
American Society of Colon
Gallup Organization, underscores the need for new national initiatives
and Rectal Surgeons
promoting colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. One of the most
American Society for
alarming findings is that most of the 47 percent of people over 50 not being
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
screened for colorectal cancer reported that no medical professional had ever
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
recommended screening.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
"Physicians must make testing for colorectal cancer a part of their medical
National Coalition
practices," said Roundtable Chair Bernard Levin, MD, vice president for
Collaborative Group of the
Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "I have
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
spent too much of my professional career delivering bad news to people
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
whose lives and health could have been saved if they had been screened for
Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
this preventable disease."
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
Although colorectal cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men and
STOP Colorectal Cancer
women, the survey found that women aged 50 and older are less likely than
Foundation
University of Minnesota
men in this same age group to undergo screening (49 percent of women
Cancer Center
reported not having been screened versus 36 percent of men). Dramatic
University of Texas
differences were also seen between whites and non-whites. Among survey
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
respondents, 44 percent of whites reported not having had any of the three tests - fecal occult
blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium x-ray - compared to 56 percent of non-whites.
The majority of adults surveyed seem to believe that early detection can save lives; however,
when asked what they could do to help prevent colorectal cancer, fewer than half cited regular
screening tests. Even fewer mentioned dietary changes, such as eating a high-fiber diet (21
percent), or general references to diet (20 percent). A sizable minority (22 percent) could not
name anything a person might do to help prevent colorectal cancer.
Asked to estimate their own chances for developing colorectal cancer, one in five adults (20
percent) believe they are very likely to develop cancer of the colon or rectum. Another 35
percent say it is somewhat likely they will develop the disease. A small proportion - one
percent - reported they already have colon or rectal cancer. Sixteen percent could not estimate
their chances of getting colorectal cancer.
The Gallup Organization conducted telephone interviews from August 11 through August 23,
1998, with a national sample of 1,062 adults aged 50 or older, to examine the knowledge and
experience of adults with testing for colorectal cancer.
###
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical professional, consumer advocacy, and
voluntary organizations committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The Facts About Colorectal Cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Almost all cases of colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer,
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
begin with the development of benign colonic polyps.
Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an
Member Organizations:
unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
These polyps can be cancerous, invading the colon wall and surrounding
Alliance of Community
blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body.
Health Plans
American Academy of
Colorectal cancer frequently begins without symptoms.
Family Physicians
American College of
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, but the disease
American College of Radiology
appears to be caused by both inherited and lifestyle factors.
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables - such as those that
American Gastroenterological
include red meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy products - may increase
Association
the risk of colorectal cancer.
American Medical Association
American Medical
Lifestyle factors -such as cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and
Women's Association
obesity - also may increase the risk of developing the disease.
American Society of Colon
Genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to the disease,
and Rectal Surgeons
whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine which at-risk
American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
individuals actually go on to develop the disease.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
How Common is Colorectal Cancer?
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States,
Collaborative Group of the
and the third most common cancer overall.
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
This year, more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
and approximately 131,600 new cases will be diagnosed.
Cancer Center
Eighty to 90 million Americans (approximately 25 percent of the US
National Cancer Institute
population) are considered at risk because of age or other factors.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged. Inc.
More women over the age of 75 die from colorectal cancer than from
STOP Colorectal Cancer
breast cancer.
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Who Is At Risk?
Men and women aged 50 and older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) are at
high risk of developing the disease.
Anyone who has a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
or Crohn's disease, is also at high risk.
Although the incidence of colorectal cancer appears to be the same among all racial groups,
survival rates seem to be lower for African-Americans.
How Can You Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
Know your family history.
See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are aged 50 or older.
Maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Exercise regularly.
Prevent obesity.
Avoid cigarette smoking.
What You Need To Know
...
Early detection saves lives - colorectal cancer is preventable, even curable when detected
early.
If colorectal cancer is found early enough, the patient has more than a 90 percent chance of
survival.
Colorectal cancer screenings are safe and effective and are now covered by Medicare and an
increasing number of other health providers.
Several screening methods can be used to detect polyps before they become cancerous, such
as fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium x-ray. These
tests also can detect cancer in its early stages.
###
BERNARD LEVIN, MD
Gastroenterologist
Bernard Levin, MD, currently is professor of medicine and vice president for cancer prevention
at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Prior to his fourteen
years at M.D. Anderson, Dr. Levin was associate professor of medicine and attending physician
at University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics.
For the American Digestive Health Foundation (ADHFSM), Dr. Levin serves as co-chair of the
Digestive Health Initiative Colorectal Cancer Education Campaign. He also is chair of the
American Cancer Society's National Advisory Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and recently
was appointed as chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
Affiliated with a number of professional organizations, Dr. Levin is a member of the American
Gastroenterological Association and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He
participates as a consultant to the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Levin has written extensively for distinguished medical publications including Journal of the
National Cancer Institute, Gastroenterology, the International Journal of Cancer, Cancer and
Science.
A graduate of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Levin
completed fellowships in gastroenterology and biochemistry in pathology at the University of
Chicago.
OCTOBER
1998
$1.95
Good Wina New CONTEST:
Gained Back
KITCHEN
Those Pounds?
MAKEOVERS
Lose Them For Good
Great Looks
You Can
AIR BAG DANGERS
Afford
How To Keep
Your Family Saf
Do You Talk
To Yourself?
When It Helps
INTERVIEW
BEST EVER
Katie's Wish
PASTA RECIPES
Speaking out in her husband's
memory...what she
KIDS' HEALTH
desperately wants you to know
Update on Unsafe
Medicines, New
Vaccines, and More
http://goodhousekeping.co
10
PLUS: Other stories of courage.
08345
And real hope in the
0 754714"o
$1.95
battle to beat colon cancer.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING october
Katie's Crusade
Still coming to terms
with her husband's
death from colon
cancer, the Today
show's Katie Couric
is speaking out in his
memory. What she
wants you to know
could save your life.
BY JOANNA POWELL
124
In her handsome corner office at New York City's Rockefeller
young ages. At least 13,000 new cases
Center, Katie Couric is trying to get on with her life. Dressed
each year involve people under 50.
Does having lost a loved one to cancer
in a baby-blue tailored suit and heavy makeup from her
make you terrified of developing the
morning duties as cohost of NBC's Today show, she's both
disease yourself?
poised and funny as she gives a rare interview. First, she
Terrified is probably too strong a word.
But it certainly makes me feel vulnera-
takes time for a bit of girl talk about shoes. Then she turns
ble. My husband was trim, healthy, had
serious as the subject moves to her recent loss.
never smoked a cigarette. It makes me
feel vulnerable for everyone, not just for
Despite her courageous front, Katie's
myself. It's very frightening.
voice cracks often during our conversa-
How did you keep going after Jay's death?
tion, and her eyes well up with tears. It
As hard as it is for everybody who faces a
has been just a few months since the
tragedy in their lives, you really don't
death of her husband, TV legal analyst
have much of a choice. You can stay in
Jay Monahan, who at 42, lost a swift,
bed every day, or for weeks or months at a
brutal fight with colon cancer. As a new-
time, or you can just keep going. Children
ly single mother with two small children
force you to keep going. You don't have
(Ellie, 7, and Carrie, 2½), Katie is still
the luxury of putting your head in the
reeling from the shock.
sand. My children are a tremendous
But in her search for solace, she has
source of comfort, tremendously motivat-
found some touchstones. In one corner
ing for me. Because I have responsibili-
of her office there is a small antique
ties. It's not just financial. It's being there
chest of drawers that was a birthday gift
for them because they are children.
from her husband the year before he
How was Jay's cancer discovered?
died. Once a scientist's display cabinet,
He was already very sick when doctors
it is filled with delicate eggs of various
diagnosed it in April 1997. He had no
wild birds. Even though some of the
symptoms. Jay was tired, but we thought
eggs have already broken, Katie has
it was because he was flying back and
protectively made a handwritten sign
forth to California for his job [as a TV
that reads FRAGILE and taped it to the
Katie with husband Jay in 1995.
legal analyst]. And we had two small chil-
top of the chest. "I'm just so afraid it
"We had no idea
dren bringing every bug in America into
might get damaged," she says. "It
the house. We had no idea what was
means so much to me."
what was going on in
going on in his body. This cancer is so
What also means a lot to Katie is her
decision to turn her grief into action-by
his body. This cancer
insidious.
What are the lessons to be learned?
launching a fight to raise awareness
is so insidious."
For one, that there are often very few
about colon cancer. It is to that end that
symptoms until it's too late. I'm not say-
she is anchoring a five-part series about
ish about it. It might cost you your life.
ing everyone in America is walking
the disease on the Today show from
For the Today show's series on colon can-
around with colon cancer, but everyone
September 14 to 18. And it is why, for
cer, we interviewed a Yale-educated doc-
needs to know that it is a possibility. And
this interview, she agreed to talk inti-
tor who was going to give a talk on colon
they need to rule it out. The only way to
mately about her loss-and her ongoing
cancer at the Yale Club in New York
be really safe is to be tested. I'd like for
effort to understand it.
City. He was asked to change the subject
people to become more aware of
Joanna Powell: You've been very private
of his talk to make it more palatable. Peo-
colonoscopy, an exam that allows a doctor
since your husband died. Why are you
ple educated at a university like Yale can-
to check the colon for abnormalities, and
speaking out now?
not deal with colon cancer? I just couldn't
to decide with their doctors whether one
Katie Couric: Colon cancer has taken a
believe it.
is warranted.
huge personal toll on my life. Now I'd
What do you want people to be especially
Do you think there's anything doctors
like to help educate others about this dis-
aware of.
know now that might have made a differ-
ease. I want everyone to understand that
People need to know that colon cancer
ence in saving Jay's life?
women as well as men get colon cancer.
can strike the young. My husband was
My husband's mom, who is now in her
Young people as well as old people get it.
barely 42 years old. My executive produc-
60s, has ovarian cancer-it was diagnosed
And frankly, very few people take advan-
er, Jeff Zucker, got it, and he was only 31.
about three years ago. His grandmother
tage of the preventive tools that exist.
Fortunately, he survived. Last weekend,
died of breast cancer. There is a growing
Too many Americans don't get tested
I ran into a farmer I know out in the coun-
body of thought that these glandular can-
because they don't want to talk about
try. Jay and I always bought produce from
cers-breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate,
that part of their body.
him. When I saw him, he said, "I'm so
and colon-may be related, that there is
How can we break the stigma of this
sorry about Jay. You know I lost my
perhaps, a genetic link. If we had known
disease?
fiancée five years ago to colon cancer." I
this, Jay might have been screened for
I think we have to use the words, say
asked how old she was, and he said,
colon cancer. I now certainly believe you
them. Colon. Rectum. Bowels. The more
"Thirty-eight." I can't tell you how many
should think long and hard about an
matter of fact you are with the language,
people wrote to me whose husbands or
early colonoscopy, not only if your aunt or
the more it helps. You can't be squeam-
wives were taken by this disease at very
grandmother or other relative has colon
cancer, but also if any of these glandular
treatment for colon cancer is a drug that
going to get through it and continue to fly
never fo:
cancers exist in your family. I firmly
was developed in the 1950's. I hope that
in the healthiest way possible. Talk to
weren't t
believe you have to be your own best
more money-government and private-
your child's teachers; talk honestly with
I'll never
advocate. We're hearing now that every-
can be devoted to cancer research. If we
children about the death in an age-
What did
one 50 and up should have a colonoscopy
can put Sojourner on Mars, we can come
appropriate way. Parents can't just forget
Just "Thi
regardless of risk factors or symptoms.
up with something that keeps cancer
about it and hope their kids will be okay.
you need
But all the doctors I know-and I know a
from destroying so many lives.
What should you do to keep the loved
ing, comfi
lot of them-say they had or will get a
How do you feel about the body's ability
one's memory alive?
Tuesdays &
colonoscopy by their fortieth birthday.
to "beat cancer"? Is it possible? People talk
You can't schedule a child's grief. You
fessor dyii
That ought to tell you something.
a lot about fighting it psychologically.
really have to have a good sense of what's
his relatic
Problem is, even if you have a family
I think you have to have hope and a fight-
right for your child; you can't force-feed
He talke
history of colon cancer, doctors often
ing spirit. On the other hand, this idea that
your child. I try to talk about Jay in a very
dreamlike
natural way, because he comes up all the
how peop
time. Yet I don't try to sit with my child
lives, chat
"Little things help-like having my
in some kind of artificial environment,
store, and
and have her discuss things with me that
is going on
husband's money clip in my purse. And
maybe she's not ready to talk about. I
I think
being in a room where he spent time."
think you have to pick up cues from
life has cha
them. The other day my daughter Carrie
it's very rea
was on her play telephone telling me,
world thrc
recommend you be screened by a flexible
people who survive cancer are stronger
"Mom, it's Daddy calling from heaven."
Everything
sigmoidoscopy, not a colonoscopy.
willed or more motivated or have a greater
It was heartbreaking, but I wanted to
like B.C. a
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is effective for
explore it with her, so we started talking.
After Cance
desire to live is really unfair to people who
only the lower third to half of the colon.
don't beat it. I think cancer, frankly, comes
She's only 2½, but I didn't want to just
on comme
My feeling is if you really want to be sure,
down to biology and luck. The cemeteries
ignore her and what she was saying. It's
buried in a
getting a flex sig is like getting a mam-
are full of people who wanted to live more
an awful lot for grown-ups to handle
terrifying. V
mogram on one breast.
than anything and couldn't
their own pain and loss, but they can't
After your husband found out he had
It's a very confusing concept-the idea
forget about the children. They're going
colon cancer, what did you do to fight the
that if you fight hard enough you can cure
through it too. It's very easy in a situation
Th
disease?
yourself.
like this to feel completely and utterly
I can share some of my personal experi-
I'm thrilled for people who beat it,
overwhelmed. But I think parents have a
ence, but I want to be careful not to
because I know they've been to hell and
real responsibility to pull it together for
invade my husband's privacy or dignity in
back. But to imply that they are mentally
their children.
any way. Immediately after he received
superior to those who don't beat it is just
Has your mother been helpful to you dur-
his diagnosis, I began to amass a lot of
plain wrong.
ing this ordeal?
information on treatment, clinical trials,
The other part of your story is surviving
Oh, yes. I'm very close to my parents.
I
and experimental drugs. I was extremely
the grief after losing your husband. Is
went through a period when I was just
frustrated to discover there's no single
there anything that's been especially help-
impossible to deal with. Because I was
source for learning about the various
ful in your life in the past months?
just so, so upset and angry and furious
experimental treatments for your specific
Talking to other women who have been
with the world. Talk about unconditional
disease. Pharmaceutical and biotech com-
through similar circumstances. Nobody
love. They've always been there for me.
panies are highly competitive and some-
else really understands. I didn't before it
What about friends? How have they
times secretive about the kinds of tests
happened to me. As empathetic as
responded?
they're doing. The technology is chang-
friends and family want to be, it's just
I think this is really important. A lot of
ing at breakneck speed. And it's hard to
such a lonely, painful experience. It's
people are at a loss when it comes to help-
find sources that are in plain English, not
very meaningful to have someone who
ing friends feel better. A lot of people pull
medicalese. It was very troubling to me.
can relate to an earth-shattering event in
back because they don't want to be inva-
Here I was, a reporter. I've spent the last
the same way you do.
sive or intrusive.
20 years researching and investigating.
Do you have any advice to parents with
Or say the wrong things.
But when it came to tracking down infor-
young children who have lost a loved one?
Or say the wrong things. It's painful for
mation that could potentially save a life, I
I'd hate to profess to be an expert. It's
lot of people because it reminds them of
hit one obstacle after another. I'm heart-
definitely baptism by fire when you're in
their own mortality. But when someone
ened to hear that the National Cancer
a situation like this. Every child is differ-
you care about is going through something
Institute has just implemented a new
ent, every parent is different, every situa-
as traumatic as this, you can't stop trying to
Web site clearinghouse, so some of this
tion is different. But I do think you need
get in-even if they push you away, initial-
information is easier to access but I defi-
to be very proactive in helping your
ly, because they're so knocked off their
nitely think more could be done.
children through an ordeal like this. And
foundation and their world has just fallen
Do you find it frustrating that cancer is
you need to do everything you can to
apart. If they push you away, and you real-
still the No. 2 killer in this country after
keep them healthy and whole. You can't
ly care-push back. Keep trying. When all
heart disease?
think that they are just children and they
you're going through it, you're scared
Incredibly. It's been more than 25 years
won't be affected, or they'll get over it, or
the time. I had one friend who wrote me
since Richard Nixon declared war on can-
children are resilient. Some of that is true,
card every week and called me every But
cer. And while there have been tremen-
but I think you have to very consciously
week, and I never called her back: ['ll
dous strides, the first-line chemotherapy
take steps to make sure that they're
I'm so grateful that she kept trying.
126
never forget that. And the people who
bility in your life, these things are not fun-
the Civil War, at our house in the country
weren't there and didn't keep on trying,
ny. Even hearing cartoon characters say,
and I go into that room and look at the
I'll never forget that either.
"Drop dead." I remember looking at a
things he loved-which, of course, I didn't
What did the cards say?
magazine cover on summer pleasures,
appreciate as much when he was living.
Just "Thinking about you," "I'm here if
and thinking, Wore, I wish that's all I cared
That's a very special place for me. I find
you need me." That was a very reassur-
about: what I was going to do this summer,
that talking about him to those people
ing, comforting thing. I think of the book
what movies I was going to see. I think it's
who cared about him and miss him is real-
Tuesdays with Morrie (about a college pro-
important to acknowledge that someone's
ly helpful. Sometimes when you lose
fessor dying of Lou Gehrig's disease and
world has taken a gut-wrenching turn.
someone, other people just want it to be
his relationship with a former student).
Is there any place or item that you shared
in the past and not talk about it. I appreci-
He talked about how you're in this
with Jay that now offers comfort?
ate having people say how much they
dreamlike state and you can't understand
Nothing really comforts me, I'm sorry to
cared about him and miss him too.
how people are just going on with their
report. It's only been months since my
Are you still close to his family?
lives, chatting and going to the grocery
husband died. And, frankly, I still can't
Yes. Jay was one of seven children, and I
store, and pushing baby strollers. That life
believe it. When I think about it, it just
often speak to his siblings as well as to his
is going on swimmingly for everyone else.
permeates every cell in my body. You
parents. They're all wonderful. I also like
I think when people acknowledge that
can forget about it temporarily. But then
to talk to other people who knew him
life has changed in a horrible way for you,
the grief comes like a huge wave and like
well and were profoundly affected by
it's very reassuring. I used to say I saw the
a horrible invasion of your heart and soul.
him. Someone sent me a letter telling me
world through cancer-colored glasses.
Little things help me-like having my
about Jay's experience in the Navy. I just
Everything just looks very different. It's
husband's money clip in my purse. And
got his transcripts from college and read his
like B.C. and A.C.-Before Cancer and
just being in a room where he spent a lot
guidance counselor's recommendation and
After Cancer. You see references to death
of time. But I don't have any sort of ritual
his entrance essay. It was very revealing.
on commercials; you see a man being
or supercomforting place. I'm still looking
He wrote things that I didn't know about
buried in a car, and it's not a big joke. It's
for that. My husband had a collection of
him. It's nice to have, but sometimes so
terrifying. When death is a distinct possi-
historic military pieces, particularly from
hard to read.
(continued on page 188)
The Stories of Three Families Left Behind
KATHY HOCHHAUSER
"HE NEVER LOST HIS SPIRIT"
NDHER DAUGHTERS,"
I
n 1993, Kathy Hochhauser and her husband, Ken, were feeling
Ellen, 18, SEATED,
hopeful about their future together. The parents of two daughters-
GWEN, 14.
Ellen, 12 at the time, and Gwen, 9-they were strong-willed people
whose marriage had been troubled; the couple were in counseling. But
now they were trying to put the bad times behind them.
Then, one day, Ken, a 45-year-old accountant at a computer company
in Framingham, MA, noticed blood in his stool. "I urged him to go to the
doctor, but he put it off for a few months," says Kathy, now 50, a public
school secretary. When he finally had a colonoscopy, an examination of the
colon, the news wasn't good: A tumor was found. Ken had surgery
immediately, but the cancer had already spread to his liver. Although he
would get chemotherapy and radiation-including an experimental drug-
the doctors indicated that he didn't have long to live.
"He was a fighter; he was going to prove them wrong," recalls Kathy.
And he did. For three years after the surgery, he lived life to the fullest.
"He'd be nauseated after a chemotherapy session, but he'd insist on
playing basketball," says Kathy. And he rallied enough to attend Gwen's
bat mitzvah in November 1996. "He even found the strength to dance
with me," says Kathy.
She and Ken grew closer than they had ever been. Kathy drove him to
and from treatments and nursed him through the long nights. "He never
lost his spirit," she reports. "Two weeks before he died, I asked him if
there was anything I could get for him, and he grinned and said, 'A
pastrami sandwich.' went to the deli right away."
On July 3, 1997, Ken, at age 49, lost his battle against colon cancer.
Kathy had grieved a lot during the years she cared for Ken, but now she
couldn't stop thinking about what could have been done to save her
young husband's life. For 25 years, Ken had suffered from chronic bowel
problems, and Kathy now says she wishes he'd been screened earlier. "If
only one person reads this and goes for a checkup," she says, "none of
what we went through will have been in vain."
-Sondra Forsyth
CHELSIE SHERER!
"SHE WAS A REAL GOOD MoM"
7, AND HER
FATHER, TRIPP.
C
helsie Sherer, a 7-year-old who loves to swim and watch videos,
T
seems like a typical second grader. But those close to her know
she's wrestling with a terrible trauma: the loss of her mother. In
1996, at age 28, Lisa Sherer died of a rare, genetic form of colon cancer, leav-
ing behind her only child and her husband, Tripp, a dental technician.
Chelsie was not yet 3 when Lisa first got sick in 1993. She passed a lbt of
blood one day and was rushed to the emergency room. It turned out she had
familial polyposis, a condition in which thousands of polyps grow on the
colon, and her polyps were malignant. She was given a year and a half to live.
The doctors told Tripp that the polyps start out benign but if not removed al-
most always become malignant by the time the person is 40. Tripp recalled
that Lisa frequently had diarrhea and lacked stamina. When he asked her
about it, she told him she hac received a diagnosis of a spastic colon when
I
she was a teenager. No formal testing had been done; if it had, the condition
could have been detected sooner.
Though Lisa didn't know of any relatives with familial polyposis, Tripp wor-
volved: I
ried that she might have passed it on to Chelsie, SO he arranged to have her
made up
tested. Sure enough, Chelsie had the condition. "But we caught it early
tube that
enough; her polyps were still precancerous," says Tripp. However, doctors had
food and
to remove Chelsie's entire large intestine to protect her from cancer.
tum, the
Lisa was SO ill that, at first, Tripp didn't tell her that Chelsie had inherited
large inte
her condition and undergone surgery. But three months before Lisa died, Tripp
rity has g
decided she should know: "She was extremely upset, but I said the way I saw
account 0
it, she gave Chelsie life, and now she was saving Chelsie's life. After that, 1
as former
asked her if she wanted to renew our VOWS. She said yes." The ceremony was
breast c
performed at Lisa's bedside on May 12, 1996. Two weeks later, she died.
Schwarzl
Today, Lisa's framed photograph sits on the dresser in the bedroom she
Many
and Tripp once shared. "Sometimes I go into Daddy's room and look at my
strikes IT
mom's picture," says Chelsie. "She was a real good mom."
-S.F.
doctors a
patients
"I WISH I COULD SEE HIM AGAIN"
develop
CLOCKWISETROMY
netic pre
L
ast Christmas, not long after she turned 16, Lynne Patterson's
LEFT: LYNNI
father, Michael, gave her a 1989 Volkswagen and two promises.
tually kil
PATTERSON, 16;
First, as a mechanic, he'd keep the vehicle in top shape. Second,
they dor
GEORGIA /HER
men. TI
he'd help her get her license. But Michael, 50, of Medford, MA, wouldn't live
MOTHER; AMY,15
and 64,6
long enough to celebrate that rite of passage with his oldest daughter.
TIMOTHY, 11; (ND
cer, and
On February 6, he was admitted to the hospital with a fever of 103°F.
JACQUELINE.44
will die
Tests showed that Michael seemed to be losing blood, SO a CT scan was
can Can
performed. It revealed a mass in his abdomen. Surgery turned up a
The
malignancy on his colon-as well as 14 other tumors. The prognosis? At
screeni
most, several months for Michael to spend with his wife, Georgia, and Lynne
known
and her three siblings: Amy, 15; Jacqueline, 14; and Timothy, 11.
be prev
"I couldn't believe it," says Lynne. "The doctors said the tumor must have
could sa
taken at least five years to get that big, but my dad hadn't seemed sick at
year, bu
all." Michael did experience some rectal bleeding-the No. 1 sign of colon
Bond, M
cancer. At first it was some slight spotting. Then, by October 1997, the
Veterar
bleeding had become pronounced, SO Michael went to the doctor. His
neapoli
physician found a hemorrhoid and suggested that Michael have a colon-
50 and
cancer test, which he postponed. Georgia now wishes she and Michael had
cancer,
paid more attention to those earlier symptoms.
women
Despite the grim prognosis, Lynne thought she'd have at least one more
colon e
summer with her father. "We had always been really close," she says. "Ever
cording
since I was a little girl, our family had traveled to Maine in July. My dad would
trol an
wake me up at five in the morning, SO the two of us could walk to the bakery
us put
to get pastries hot from the oven. I pictured us walking together again."
barrass
It wasn't to be. By February 14, Michael had developed complications
plenty
from the surgery, and four days later, he was gone. "It's still hard to accept,"
tors do
says Lynne. "Something in the house will break, and I'll think, Oh, Dad will fix
some i
that. I wish I could see him again, even just one more time, to tell him I love
the be
him and to hear him say that he loves me."
-S.F.
The
Diges
128
The Preventable Cancer
The right testing for colon cancer can save your life.
What every woman needs to know. by Lisa Collier Cool
t's the second most deadly
adults age 50 and over-the group with
Screening Tests," page 190).
cancer, killing more people
the highest rate of colon tumors-an as-
I
What makes the screening shortfall
each year than breast or
tonishing 61 percent of women said
so troublesome is that colon cancer
prostate cancer. Yet colon
their doctors had never advised any kind
often produces no symptoms in its early
cancer doesn't receive nearly
of screening. Many primary-care doctors
stages, when it is 90 percent curable. If
as much attention. That's
aren't educated about the tremendous
not detected, it typically goes unnoticed
partly because no one likes to
benefits of testing, according to Albert
until it has spread beyond the in-
talk about the body parts in-
Palitz, M.D., director of the colorectal
testines-at which point the five-year
volved: namely, the large intestine,
cancer prevention program at Kaiser
survival rate is less than 60 percent.
made up of the colon, a six-foot-long
Permanente, a large California-based
tube that removes water from digested
health maintenance organization. "Only
The Best Protection
food and expels solid waste; and the rec-
in the last five years have studies pro-
Colon-cancer experts agree that the "gold
tum, the last six to eight inches of the
vided clear evidence that screening can
standard" of screening is colonoscopy, a
large intestine. What's more, no celeb-
prevent death," he notes. However, the
15- to 20-minute test in which the entire
rity has gone public with a first-person
ACS has supported colon-cancer screen-
colon is checked for tumors using a
account of the disease to raise awareness,
ing for nearly two decades, issuing new
lighted flexible tube with a cameralike
as former First Lady Betty Ford did for
guidelines last year (see "Rating the
device at one (continued on page 188)
breast cancer and General Norman
Schwarzkopf did for prostate cancer.
Many women assume colon cancer
THE GOLD-STANDARD 20-MINUTE TEST:
strikes mostly the elderly-or men. But
ONE WOMAN'S STORY
doctors are seeing younger and younger
patients with the disease, some of whom
ot long ago, I saw something
would be injected into my intestines SO the doctor
develop the illness early because of a ge-
netic predisposition. And the cancer ac-
N
alarming in the toilet. "This isn't
would have a good view, and that would produce a
good," I said out loud, staring at
gassy, uncomfortable feeling. Sedation would be
tually kills more women-mainly because
the bloody stool I discovered. I'm
necessary. I was told that there would be no
they don't get screened as frequently as
52, and my mother has a history of colon polyps.
discomfort when the probe was slowly retracted,
men. This year, about 67,000 women-
So I made an appointment with William Coll, M.D.,
SO I asked to be awakened midprocedure. I wanted
and 64,600 men-will develop colon can-
a local gastroenterologist, who helped me arrive at
to see for myself what was going on inside.
cer, and 28,600 women and 27,900 men
an obvious conclusion: I needed to have my colon
Dr. Coll used intravenous Demerol (a sedative
will die from it, according to the Ameri-
checked for cancer. I was scared, SO I elected, as
and painkiller) and Versed (another sedative) to
can Cancer Society (ACS).
advised by Dr. Coll, to have a colonoscopy, which
knock me out during the first part of the
The good news: With the right
would enable him to inspect my entire colon.
procedure. Then, I got a drug that would wake me
screening, the disease-technically
In the 24 hours before the procedure, I needed
up. When I opened my eyes, the scope, now about
known as colorectal cancer-can actually
to cleanse and flush my colon SO that Dr. Coll's
four feet up my innards, displayed interior shots of
be prevented. "Widespread screening
view would be unobstructed. My diet was restricted
my colon on a monitor only a few feet away. Inside
could save at least thirty-thousand lives a
to clear liquids and chilled bouillon. But that
this strange labyrinth of pink-gold crinkles and
year, but sadly, very few get says John
wasn't all. I was ordered to take one and a half
folds were two tiny polyps, six millimeters in
Bond, M.D., chief of gastroenterology at
ounces of a fizzy laxative potion mixed with eight
diameter, which Dr. Coll removed. Also revealed
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Min-
ounces of water, once at 11:00 A.M. and again at
were two tiny hemorrhoids that had ruptured and
neapolis. More than half of women age
6:00 P.M. Dr. Coll recommended that I stay home
were deemed the cause of my dramatic bowel
50 and over are now checked for breast
after the first dose (which I did). It made perfect
movement.
cancer, but only about 24 percent of
sense: This nasty-tasting salty, lemony drink gave
Afterward, I dozed lightly in the recovery room. I
women age 50 and over have had their
me cramps and diarrhea almost immediately, and
was a little WOOZY, but my stomach felt fine. In fact,
colon examined in the past five years, ac-
I found myself in the bathroom at 20-minute
I was hungry. I fantasized about breaking my fast
cording to the Centers for Disease Con-
intervals throughout the day. I was not only crampy
with barbecued spareribs and garlic mashed
trol and Prevention in Atlanta. Many of
and crabby but also lightheaded and weak-
potatoes, a dream that became a reality that
us put off testing, fearing it may be em-
probably dehydrated, Dr. Coll said. He also told me
evening. I returned to work, spunky as ever, the
barrassing or uncomfortable. But there's
that all of these reactions were to be expected.
next morning.
plenty of blame to go around: Some doc-
The next morning, at 8:30 A.M., I went to Sharon
A few days later, I learned that the polyps were
tors don't tell us to get screened-and
Hospital in Connecticut. I got undressed, put on a
benign. I was glad I'd had the colonoscopy-and
some insurance companies won't pay for
cotton gown, and was instructed to lie on a
relieved when Dr. Coll told me that the type of
the best testing.
stretcher. A nurse explained that the colonoscope,
polyps he'd removed never becomes cancerous. So
Three years ago, when the American
a thin, lighted probe with a cameralike device at
I don't have to have another colonoscopy for seven
Digestive Health Foundation polled
one end, would be threaded into my colon. Air
to ten years.
-Maxine Paetro
KATIE COURIC
COLON CANCER
cil eraser, and up to seven more years to
turn cancerous.
(continued from page 127)
(continued from page 129)
Elizabeth Ely, 55, an interior decora-
Do you share them with your daughters?
end. The device transmits images of the
tor in New York City, is grateful that she
I'm putting together a book of all the let-
colon to a video screen, which the doctor
had a colonoscopy, because it saved her
ters people have written about Jay, so that
watches throughout the procedure. Any
life. Although she didn't have a family
my girls feel like they know a lot about
polyps that are discovered can be re-
history of colon cancer or any symptoms
their father and what an outstanding per-
moved during the test. Colonoscopy
(in fact, she felt great, she says), her doc.
son he was. I'm also writing them a letter
finds 97 percent of colon tumors, and the
tor encouraged her to get tested because
all about our courtship-and how we met
ACS now recommends it for everyone age
of her age. Last March, a colonoscopy
and why I fell in love with him. The idea
50 and over.
revealed a malignant rectal tumor. "I
is that when they're older they can read
The unique advantage of colonoscopy
was absolutely shocked," she recalls. "I
about him and appreciate him. I've asked
is that it's the only cancer test that can
never believed anything would be
people to write to my girls, and I've
actually prevent
received the most beautiful letters.
malignancy.
YOUR RISK AND YOUR AGE
Do the letters make you feel better, or is it
"There's a very
all a painful exercise?
strong argument
Your chance of getting colon cancer increases dramatically as you get
that people who
older. Check this chart against your age to pinpoint your risk of
It's definitely painful, but part of the
process. I think it will ultimately help.
have this test reg-
developing the disease, which strikes at an average age of 66:
But for now it reminds me how much I
ularly will never,
Ages
A Woman's Risk
A Man's Risk
miss him. Some of the letters I just can't
ever get colon
Birth to 39
1 in 2,000
1 in 1,667
read. Someday I will.
cancer, which
40 to 59
1 in 147
1 in 114
When you first went back on the Today
means it's much
60 to 79
1 in 31
1 in 24
show following Jay's death, you wore his
better for pre-
Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, 1998
wedding ring around your neck on a
venting this dis-
chain. Lately, you haven't been wearing it.
ease than mammograms are for breast
wrong with me. I've always been well."
Why did you stop?
cancer," says Robert J. Mayer, M.D., di-
She had surgery to remove the tumor,
The safety chain broke. I didn't stop for
rector of the Center for Gastrointestinal
and was relieved to learn that it was an
any symbolic reason. I just worry that
Oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer In-
early-stage cancer. She was deemed
without the safety clasp, I would lose it.
stitute in Boston. That's because virtu-
cured after the operation. "I'm very
It made me too nervous. And now I'm
ally all colon cancers begin as mush-
lucky," says Ely. "Now I'm telling my
not sure if I'll wear it again. It's a very
room-shaped or flat premalignant
clients, friends, and relatives to have the
outward symbol of one's grief, and I
growths called polyps. "About five to
test if they're fifty or over."
wore it because it made me feel very
ten percent may become cancerous, so if
Another, more famous survivor: for-
close to him, by touching it. It was
they're found and removed during
mer President Ronald Reagan, who had
a hard decision: whether he should
colonoscopy, you probably won't get
part of his intestines removed in 1985
wear the ring-or I should. I didn't know
cancer," explains Jose Guillem, M.D.,
after doctors discovered a malignant
what to do. All of my friends told me it
associate attending colorectal surgeon at
tumor through colonoscopy.
was okay for me to keep it. And I found
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cen-
a lot of solace in it. I don't think he
ter in New York City.
What's Your Life Worth?
would mind.
It appears that one colonoscopy is
Despite the lifesaving power of
Has throwing yourself back into work
enough to protect people at average risk
colonoscopy, Medicare and a number of
helped you cope?
for an entire decade, because polyps
other health plans won't pay for it. "This
You do what you have to do. I have chil-
grow very slowly, taking about five to
is unjust to the American public," says
dren to support. And kids just automati-
seven years to become the size of a pen-
Michael D. Moseson, M.D., a clinical as-
cally make you stronger. Work was a
way for me to keep going while Jay was
sick. For two hours I could distract
YOUR RISK AND YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
myself, and I think it serves the same
A person who has no cancer in her family has a one in 17 chance of developing colon cancer over a
purpose now.
lifetime. That risk increases if your relatives have had certain kinds of cancers. If you fall into any of the
What is your advice to couples who have
categories listed below, you should get a colonoscopy (total exam of the colon) by age 40, or ten years
been spared a life-threatening illness?
before the youngest age at which a family member received a diagnosis of colon cancer. If there are
Cherish each day. Get under the covers
several cases of colon cancer in your family, consider getting a genetic test at a major cancer center to
with your kids on a Saturday morning.
check for an inherited syndrome. Testing, which can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,400, can help
And even if your spouse drives you crazy
determine the age and frequency at which you need to be screened.
sometimes, remember what made you
1. You have a distant relative-an uncle, aunt, or grandparent-who has/had colon cancer.
fall in love to begin with. My daughter is
Your risk: 1.5 in 17
obsessed with The Wizard of Oz, and
2. You have an immediate family member-a parent, sibling, or child-who has/had colon cancer.
there's one thing that Dorothy says
Your risk: 2 or 3 in 17
toward the end of the movie that always
3. You have two or more members who have/had colon cancer, or have one relative
affects me so much: "If ever go looking
who developed the disease before age 50. Your risk: 3 or 4 in 17
for my heart's desire again, I won't look
4. You have one or more immediate ordistant relatives who have/had breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate
Our Safti-Gr
any further than my own backyard."
cancer. Your risk: 1.5 in 17
-L.C.C.
to your tub.
188 good housekreping|October 1998
1998
$1.95
Good House New
Wina CONTEST
Gained Back
KITCHEN
Those Pounds?
MAKEOVERS
Lose Them For Good
Great Looks
You Can
AIR BAG DANGERS
Afford
How To Keep
Your Family Saf
Do You Talk
To Yourself?
When It Helps
INTERVIEW
BEST EVER
Katie's Wish
PASTA RECIPES
Speaking out in her husband's
memory...what she
KIDS' HEALTH
desperately wants you to know
Update on Unsafe
Medicines, New
Vaccines, and More
http://goodhousekeeping.com
10
PLUS: Other stories of courage.
08345
And real hope in the
0
754714
0
$1.95
battle to beat colon cancer.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING october
Katie's Crusade
Still coming to terms
with her husband's
death from colon
cancer, the Today
show's Katie Couric
is speaking out in his
memory. What she
wants you to know
could save your life.
BY JOANNA POWELL
124
In her handsome corner office at New York City's Rockefeller
young ages. At least 13,000 new cases
Center, Katie Couric is trying to get on with her life. Dressed
each year involve people under 50.
Does having lost a loved one to cancer
in a baby-blue tailored suit and heavy makeup from her
make you terrified of developing the
morning duties as cohost of NBC's Today show, she's both
disease yourself?
poised and funny as she gives a rare interview. First, she
Terrified is probably too strong a word.
But it certainly makes me feel vulnera-
takes time for a bit of girl talk about shoes. Then she turns
ble. My husband was trim, healthy, had
serious as the subject moves to her recent loss.
never smoked a cigarette. It makes me
feel vulnerable for everyone, not just for
Despite her courageous front, Katie's
myself. It's very frightening.
voice cracks often during our conversa-
How did you keep going after Jay's death?
tion, and her eyes well up with tears. It
As hard as it is for everybody who faces a
has been just a few months since the
tragedy in their lives, you really don't
death of her husband, TV legal analyst
have much of a choice. You can stay in
Jay Monahan, who at 42, lost a swift,
bed every day, or for weeks or months at a
brutal fight with colon cancer. As a new-
time, or you can just keep going. Children
ly. single mother with two small children
force you to keep going. You don't have
(Ellie, 7, and Carrie, 2½), Katie is still
the luxury of putting your head in the
reeling from the shock.
sand. My children are a tremendous
But in her search for solace, she has
source of comfort, tremendously motivat-
found some touchstones. In one corner
ing for me. Because I have responsibili-
of her office there is a small antique
ties. It's not just financial. It's being there
chest of drawers that was a birthday gift
for them because they are children.
from her husband the year before he
How was Jay's cancer discovered?
died. Once a scientist's display cabinet,
He was already very sick when doctors
it is filled with delicate eggs of various
diagnosed it in April 1997. He had no
wild birds. Even though some of the
symptoms. Jay was tired, but we thought
eggs have already broken, Katie has
it was because he was flying back and
protectively made a handwritten sign
that reads FRAGILE and taped it to the
Katie with husband Jay in 1995.
forth to California for his job [as a TV
legal analyst]. And we had two small chil-
top of the chest. "I'm just so afraid it
"We had no idea
dren bringing every bug in America into
might get damaged," she says. "It
the house. We had no idea what was
means so much to me."
what was going on in
going on in his body. This cancer is so
What also means a lot to Katie is her
decision to turn her grief into action-by
his body. This cancer
insidious.
What are the lessons to be learned?
launching a fight to raise awareness
is so insidious."
For one, that there are often very few
about colon cancer. It is to that end that
symptoms until it's too late. I'm not say-
she is anchoring a five-part series about
ish about it. It might cost you your life.
ing everyone in America is walking
the disease on the Today show from
For the Today show's series on colon can-
around with colon cancer, but everyone
September 14 to 18. And it is why, for
cer, we interviewed a Yale-educated doc-
needs to know that it is a possibility. And
this interview, she agreed to talk inti-
tor who was going to give a talk on colon
they need to rule it out. The only way to
mately about her loss-and her ongoing
cancer at the Yale Club in New York
be really safe is to be tested. I'd like for
effort to understand it.
City. He was asked to change the subject
people to become more aware of
Joanna Powell: You've been very private
of his talk to make it more palatable. Peo-
colonoscopy, an exam that allows a doctor
since your husband died. Why are you
ple educated at a university like Yale can-
to check the colon for abnormalities, and
speaking out now?
not deal with colon cancer? I just couldn't
to decide with their doctors whether one
Katie Couric: Colon cancer has taken a
believe it.
is warranted.
huge personal toll on my life. Now I'd
What do you want people to be especially
Do you think there's anything doctors
like to help educate others about this dis-
aware of.
know now that might have made a differ-
ease. I want everyone to understand that
People need to know that colon cancer
ence in saving Jay's life?
women as well as men get colon cancer.
can strike the young. My husband was
My husband's mom, who is now in her
Young people as well as old people get it.
barely 42 years old. My executive produc-
60s, has ovarian cancer-it was diagnosed
And frankly, very few people take advan-
er, Jeff Zucker, got it, and he was only 31.
about three years ago. His grandmother
tage of the preventive tools that exist.
Fortunately, he survived. Last weekend,
died of breast cancer. There is a growing
Too many Americans don't get tested
I ran into a farmer I know out in the coun-
body of thought that these glandular can-
because they don't want to talk about
try. Jay and I always bought produce from
cers-breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate,
that part of their body.
him. When I saw him, he said, "I'm so
and colon-may be related, that there is
How can we break the stigma of this
sorry about Jay. You know I lost my
perhaps, a genetic link. If we had known
disease?
fiancée five years ago to colon cancer." I
this, Jay might have been screened for
I think we have to use the words, say
asked how old she was, and he said,
colon cancer. I now certainly believe you
them. Colon. Rectum. Bowels. The more
"Thirty-eight." I can't tell you how many
should think long and hard about an
matter of fact you are with the language,
people wrote to me whose husbands or
early colonoscopy, not only if your aunt or
the more it helps. You can't be squeam-
wives were taken by this disease at very
grandmother or other relative has colon
cancer, but also if any of these glandular
treatment for colon cancer is a drug that
going to get through it and continue to fly
never for
cancers exist in your family. I firmly
was developed in the 1950's. I hope that
in the healthiest way possible. Talk to
weren't
believe you have to be your own best
more money-govemment and private-
your child's teachers; talk honestly with
I'll never
advocate. We're hearing now that every-
can be devoted to cancer research. If we
children about the death in an age-
What did
one 50 and up should have a colonoscopy
can put Sojourner on Mars, we can come
appropriate way. Parents can't just forget
Just "Thi
regardless of risk factors or symptoms.
up with something that keeps cancer
about it and hope their kids will be okay.
you need
But all the doctors I know-and I know a
from destroying so many lives.
What should you do to keep the loved
ing, comfi
lot of them-say they had or will get a
How do you feel about the body's ability
one's memory alive?
Tuesdays a
colonoscopy by their fortieth birthday.
to "beat cancer"? Is it possible? People talk
You can't schedule a child's grief. You
fessor dyii
That ought to tell you something.
a lot about fighting it psychologically.
really have to have a good sense of what's
his relatic
Problem is, even if you have a family
I think you have to have hope and a fight-
right for your child; you can't force-feed
He talke
history of colon cancer, doctors often
ing spirit. On the other hand, this idea that
your child. I try to talk about Jay in a very
dreamlike
natural way, because he comes up all the
how peop
time. Yet I don't try to sit with my child
lives, chat
"Little things help-like having my
in some kind of artificial environment,
store, and
and have her discuss things with me that
is going on
husband's money clip in my purse. And
maybe she's not ready to talk about. I
I think
being in a room where he spent time."
think you have to pick up cues from
life has cha
them. The other day my daughter Carrie
it's very rea
was on her play telephone telling me,
world thrc
recommend you be screened by a flexible
people who survive cancer are stronger
"Mom, it's Daddy calling from heaven."
Everything
sigmoidoscopy, not a colonoscopy.
willed or more motivated or have a greater
It was heartbreaking, but I wanted to
like B.C. a
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is effective for
explore it with her, so we started talking.
After Cance
desire to live is really unfair to people who
only the lower third to half of the colon.
don't beat it. I think cancer, frankly, comes
She's only 2½, but I didn't want to just
on comme
My feeling is if you really want to be sure,
down to biology and luck. The cemeteries
ignore her and what she was saying. It's
buried in a
getting a flex sig is like getting a mam-
are full of people who wanted to live more
an awful lot for grown-ups to handle
terrifying. V
mogram on one breast.
than anything and couldn't.
their own pain and loss, but they can't
After your husband found out he had
It's a very confusing concept-the idea
forget about the children. They're going
colon cancer, what did you do to fight the
that if you fight hard enough you can cure
through it too. It's very easy in a situation
Th
disease?
yourself.
like this to feel completely and utterly
I can share some of my personal experi-
I'm thrilled for people who beat it,
overwhelmed. But I think parents have
ence, but I want to be careful not to
because I know they've been to hell and
real responsibility to pull it together for
invade my husband's privacy or dignity in
back. But to imply that they are mentally
their children.
any way. Immediately after he received
superior to those who don't beat it is just
Has your mother been helpful to you dur-
his diagnosis, I began to amass a lot of
plain wrong.
ing this ordeal?
information on treatment, clinical trials,
The other part of your story is surviving
Oh, yes. I'm very close to my parents. 1
and experimental drugs. I was extremely
the grief after losing your husband. Is
went through a period when I was just
frustrated to discover there's no single
there anything that's been especially help-
impossible to deal with. Because I was
source for learning about the various
ful in your life in the past months?
just so, so upset and angry and furious
experimental treatments for your specific
Talking to other women who have been
with the world. Talk about unconditional
disease. Pharmaceutical and biotech com-
through similar circumstances. Nobody
love. They've always been there for me.
panies are highly competitive and some-
else really understands. I didn't before it
What about friends? How have they
times secretive about the kinds of tests
happened to me. As empathetic as
responded?
they're doing. The technology is chang-
friends and family want to be, it's just
I think this is really important. A lot of
ing at breakneck speed. And it's hard to
such a lonely, painful experience. It's
people are at a loss when it comes to help-
find sources that are in plain English, not
very meaningful to have someone who
ing friends feel better. A lot of people pull
medicalese. It was very troubling to me.
can relate to an earth-shattering event in
back because they don't want to be inva-
Here I was, a reporter. I've spent the last
the same way you do.
sive or intrusive.
20 years researching and investigating.
Do you have any advice to parents with
Or say the wrong things.
But when it came to tracking down infor-
young children who have lost a loved one?
Or say the wrong things. It's painful for
mation that could potentially save a life, I
I'd hate to profess to be an expert. It's
lot of people because it reminds them of
hit one obstacle after another. I'm heart-
definitely baptism by fire when you're in
their own mortality. But when someone
ened to hear that the National Cancer
a situation like this. Every child is differ-
you care about is going through something
Institute has just implemented a new
ent, every parent is different, every situa-
as traumatic as this, you can't stop trying to
Web site clearinghouse, so some of this
tion is different. But I do think you need
get in-even if they push you away, initial
information is easier to access. but I defi-
to be very proactive in helping your
ly, because they're so knocked off their
nitely think more could be done.
children through an ordeal like this. And
foundation and their world has just fallen
Do you find it frustrating that cancer is
you need to do everything you can to
apart. If they push you away, and you
still the No. 2 killer in this country after
keep them healthy and whole. You can't
ly care-push back. Keep trying. When all
heart disease?
think that they are just children and they
you're going through it, you're scared me
Incredibly. It's been more than 25 years
won't be affected, or they'll get over it, or
the time. I had one friend who wrote
since Richard Nixon declared war on can-
children are resilient. Some of that is true,
card every week and called me every But
cer. And while there have been tremen-
but I think you have to very consciously
week, and I never called her back. ΓO
dous strides, the first-line chemotherapy
take steps to make sure that they're
I'm so grateful that she kept trying.
126
never forget that. And the people who
bility in your life, these things are not fun-
the Civil War, at our house in the country
weren't there and didn't keep on trying,
ny. Even hearing cartoon characters say,
and I go into that room and look at the
I'll never forget that either.
"Drop dead." I remember looking at a
things he loved-which, of course, I didn't
What did the cards say?
magazine cover on summer pleasures,
appreciate as much when he was living.
Just "Thinking about you," "I'm here if
and thinking, Wow, I wish that's all I cared
That's a very special place for me. I find
you need me." That was a very reassur-
about: what I was going to do this summer,
that talking about him to those people
ing, comforting thing. I think of the book
what movies I was going to see. I think it's
who cared about him and miss him is real-
Tuesdays with Morrie (about a college pro-
important to acknowledge that someone's
ly helpful. Sometimes when you lose
fessor dying of Lou Gehrig's disease and
world has taken a gut-wrenching turn.
someone, other people just want it to be
his relationship with a former student).
Is there any place or item that you shared
in the past and not talk about it. I appreci-
He talked about how you're in this
with Jay that now offers comfort?
ate having people say how much they
dreamlike state and you can't understand
Nothing really comforts me, I'm sorry to
cared about him and miss him too.
how people are just going on with their
report. It's only been months since my
Are you still close to his family?
lives, chatting and going to the grocery
husband died. And, frankly, I still can't
Yes. Jay was one of seven children, and I
store, and pushing baby strollers. That life
believe it. When I think about it, it just
often speak to his siblings as well as to his
is going on swimmingly for everyone else.
permeates every cell in my body. You
parents. They're all wonderful. I also like
I think when people acknowledge that
can forget about it temporarily. But then
to talk to other people who knew him
life has changed in a horrible way for you,
the grief comes like a huge wave and like
well and were profoundly affected by
it's very reassuring. I used to say I saw the
a horrible invasion of your heart and soul.
him. Someone sent me a letter telling me
world through cancer-colored glasses.
Little things help me-like having my
about Jay's experience in the Navy. I just
Everything just looks very different. It's
husband's money clip in my purse. And
got his transcripts from college and read his
like B.C. and A.C.-Before Cancer and
just being in a room where he spent a lot
guidance counselor's recommendation and
After Cancer. You see references to death
of time. But I don't have any sort of ritual
his entrance essay. It was very revealing.
on commercials; you see a man being
or supercomforting place. I'm still looking
He wrote things that I didn't know about
buried in a car, and it's not a big joke. It's
for that. My husband had a collection of
him. It's nice to have, but sometimes so
terrifying. When death is a distinct possi-
historic military pieces, particularly from
hard to read.
(continued on page 188)
The Stories of Three Families Left Behind
KATHY HOCHHAUSER
"HE NEVER LOST HIS SPIRIT"
AND HER DAUGHTERS,
I
n 1993, Kathy Hochhauser and her husband, Ken, were feeling
ELLEN, 18, SEATED,
hopeful about their future together. The parents of two daughters-
AND GWEN, 14.
Ellen, 12 at the time, and Gwen, 9-they were strong-willed people
whose marriage had been troubled; the couple were in counseling. But
now they were trying to put the bad times behind them.
Then, one day, Ken, a 45-year-old accountant at a computer company
in Framingham, MA, noticed blood in his stool. "I urged him to go to the
doctor, but he put it off for a few months," says Kathy, now 50, a public
school secretary. When he finally had a colonoscopy, an examination of the
colon, the news wasn't good: A tumor was found. Ken had surgery
immediately, but the cancer had already spread to his liver. Although he
would get chemotherapy and radiation-including an experimental drug-
the doctors indicated that he didn't have long to live.
"He was a fighter; he was going to prove them wrong," recalls Kathy.
And he did. For three years after the surgery, he lived life to the fullest.
"He'd be nauseated after a chemotherapy session, but he'd insist on
playing basketball," says Kathy. And he rallied enough to attend Gwen's
bat mitzvah in November 1996. "He even found the strength to dance
with me," says Kathy.
She and Ken grew closer than they had ever been. Kathy drove him to
and from treatments and nursed him through the long nights. "He never
lost his spirit," she reports. "Two weeks before he died, I asked him if
there was anything I could get for him, and he grinned and said, 'A
pastrami sandwich.' went to the deli right away."
On July 3, 1997, Ken, at age 49, lost his battle against colon cancer.
Kathy had grieved a lot during the years she cared for Ken, but now she
couldn't stop thinking about what could have been done to save her
young husband's life. For 25 years, Ken had suffered from chronic bowel
problems, and Kathy now says she wishes he'd been screened earlier. "If
only one person reads this and goes for a checkup," she says, "none of
what we went through will have been in vain."
-Sondra Forsyth
CHELSIE SHERER,
"SHE WAS A REAL GOOD MoM"
7, AND her
FATHER, TRIPP.
C
helsie Sherer, a 7-year-old who loves to swim and watch videos,
T
seems like a typical second grader. But those close to her know
she's wrestling with a terrible trauma: the loss of her mother. In
1996, at age 28, Lisa Sherer died of a rare, genetic form of colon cancer, leav-
ing behind her only child and her husband, Tripp, a dental technician.
Chelsie was not yet 3 when Lisa first got sick in 1993. She passed a lot of
blood one day and WES ushed to the emergency room. It turned out she had
familial polyposis, a condition in which thousands of polyps grow on the
colon, and her polyps were malignant. She was given a year and a half to live.
The doctors told Tripp that the polyps start out benign but if not removed al-
most always become malignant by the time the person is 40. Tripp recalled
that Lisa frequently had diarrhea and lacked stamina. When he asked her
about it, she told him she had received a diagnosis of a spastic colon when
I
she was a teenager. No formal testing had been done; if it had, the condition
could have been detected sooner.
Though Lisa didn't know of any relatives with familial polyposis, Tripp wor-
volved: I
ried that she might have passed it on to Chelsie, so he arranged to have her
made up
tested. Sure enough, Cheisie had the condition. "But we caught it early
tube that
enough; her polyps were still precancerous," says Tripp. However, doctors had
food and
to remove Chelsie's entire large intestine to protect her from cancer.
tum, the
Lisa was SO ill that, at first, Tripp didn't tell her that Chelsie had inherited
large inte
her condition and undergone surgery. But three months before Lisa died, Tripp
rity has g
decided she should know: "She was extremely upset, but I said the way I saw
account 0
it, she gave Chelsie life, and now she was saving Chelsie's life. After that, I
as former
asked her if she wanted to renew our VOWS. She said yes." The ceremony was
breast c
performed at Lisa's bedside on May 12, 1996. Two weeks later, she died.
Schwarzl
Today, Lisa's framed photograph sits on the dresser in the bedroom she
Many
and Tripp once shared. "Sometimes I go into Daddy's room and look at my
strikes IT
mom's picture," says Chelsie. "She was a real good mom."
-S.F.
doctors a
patients
"I WISH I COULD SEE HIM AGAIN"
develop
CLOCKWISE.FROMY
netic pre
L
ast Christmas, not long after she turned 16, Lynne Patterson's
father, Michael, gave her a 1989 Volkswagen and two promises.
,LEFT:LYNNI
tually kil
First, as a mechanic, he'd keep the vehicle in top shape. Second,
Patterson, 16:
they dor
he'd help her get her license. But Michael, 50, of Medford, MA, wouldn't live
GEORGIA,HER
men. TI
and 64,6
long enough to celebrate that rite of passage with his oldest daughter.
ΓiMoTHy, 11,5
cer, and
On February 6, he was admitted to the hospital with a fever of 103°F.
Jacqueljine,14.
will die
Tests showed that Michael seemed to be losing blood, so a CT scan was
can Can
performed. It revealed a mass in his abdomen. Surgery turned up a
The
malignancy on his colon-as well as 14 other tumors. The prognosis? At
screeni
most, several months for Michael to spend with his wife, Georgia, and Lynne
known
and her three siblings: Amy, 15; Jacqueline, 14; and Timothy, 11.
be prev
"I couldn't believe it," says Lynne. "The doctors said the tumor must have
could Sa
taken at least five years to get that big, but my dad hadn't seemed sick at
year, bu
all." Michael did experience some rectal bleeding-the No. 1 sign of colon
Bond, I
cancer. At first it was some slight spotting. Then, by October 1997, the
Veterar
bleeding had become pronounced, SO Michael went to the doctor. His
neapoli
physician found a hemorrhoid and suggested that Michael have a colon-
50 and
cancer test, which he postponed. Georgia now wishes she and Michael had
cancer,
paid more attention to those earlier symptoms.
womer
Despite the grim prognosis, Lynne thought she'd have at least one more
colon e
summer with her father. "We had always been really close," she says. "Ever
cording
since I was a little girl, our family had traveled to Maine in July. My dad would
trol an
wake me up at five in the morning, SO the two of us could walk to the bakery
us put
to get pastries hot from the oven. I pictured us walking together again."
barrass
It wasn't to be. By February 14, Michael had developed complications
plenty
from the surgery, and four days later, he was gone. "It's still hard to accept,"
tors do
says Lynne. "Something in the house will break, and I'll think, Oh, Dad will fix
some i
that. I wish I could see him again, even just one more time, to tell him I love
the be
him and to hear him say that he loves me."
-S.F.
The
Diges
128
The Preventable Cancer
The right testing for colon cancer can save your life.
What every woman needs to know. by Lisa Collier Cool
t's the second most deadly
adults age 50 and over-the group with
Screening Tests," page 190).
cancer, killing more people
the highest rate of colon tumors-an as-
I
What makes the screening shortfall
each year than breast or
tonishing 61 percent of women said
so troublesome is that colon cancer
prostate cancer. Yet colon
their doctors had never advised any kind
often produces no symptoms in its early
cancer doesn't receive nearly
of screening. Many primary-care doctors
stages, when it is 90 percent curable. If
as much attention. That's
aren't educated about the tremendous
not detected, it typically goes unnoticed
partly because no one likes to
benefits of testing, according to Albert
until it has spread beyond the in-
talk about the body parts in-
Palitz, M.D., director of the colorectal
testines-at which point the five-year
volved: namely, the large intestine,
cancer prevention program at Kaiser
survival rate is less than 60 percent.
made up of the colon, a six-foot-long
Permanente, a large California-based
tube that removes water from digested
health maintenance organization. "Only
The Best Protection
food and expels solid waste; and the rec-
in the last five years have studies pro-
Colon-cancer experts agree that the "gold
tum, the last six to eight inches of the
vided clear evidence that screening can
standard" of screening is colonoscopy, a
large intestine. What's more, no celeb-
prevent death," he notes. However, the
15- to 20-minute test in which the entire
rity has gone public with a first-person
ACS has supported colon-cancer screen-
colon is checked for tumors using a
account of the disease to raise awareness,
ing for nearly two decades, issuing new
lighted flexible tube with a cameralike
as former First Lady Betty Ford did for
guidelines last year (see "Rating the
device at one (continued on page 188)
breast cancer and General Norman
Schwarzkopf did for prostate cancer.
Many women assume colon cancer
THE GOLD-STANDARD 20-MINUTE TEST:
strikes mostly the elderly-or men. But
ONE Woman's STORY
doctors are seeing younger and younger
patients with the disease, some of whom
ot long ago, I saw something
would be injected into my intestines SO the doctor
develop the illness early because of a ge-
netic predisposition. And the cancer ac-
N
alarming in the toilet. "This isn't
would have a good view, and that would produce a
good," I said out loud, staring at
gassy, uncomfortable feeling. Sedation would be
tually kills more women-mainly because
the bloody stool I discovered. I'm
necessary. I was told that there would be no
they don't get screened as frequently as
52, and my mother has a history of colon polyps.
discomfort when the probe was slowly retracted,
men. This year, about 67,000 women-
So I made an appointment with William Coll, M.D.,
SO I asked to be awakened midprocedure. I wanted
and 64,600 men-will develop colon can-
a local gastroenterologist, who helped me arrive at
to see for myself what was going on inside.
cer, and 28,600 women and 27,900 men
an obvious conclusion: I needed to have my colon
Dr. Coll used intravenous Demerol (a sedative
will die from it, according to the Ameri-
checked for cancer. I was scared, SO I elected, as
and painkiller) and Versed (another sedative) to
can Cancer Society (ACS).
advised by Dr. Coll, to have a colonoscopy, which
knock me out during the first part of the
The good news: With the right
would enable him to inspect my entire colon.
procedure. Then, I got a drug that would wake me
screening, the disease-technically
In the 24 hours before the procedure, I needed
up. When I opened my eyes, the scope, now about
known as colorectal cancer-can actually
to cleanse and flush my colon SO that Dr. Coll's
four feet up my innards, displayed interior shots of
be prevented. "Widespread screening
view would be unobstructed. My diet was restricted
my colon on a monitor only a few feet away. Inside
could save at least thirty-thousand lives a
to clear liquids and chilled bouillon. But that
this strange labyrinth of pink-gold crinkles and
year, but sadly, very few get says John
wasn't all. I was ordered to take one and a half
folds were two tiny polyps, six millimeters in
Bond, M.D., chief of gastroenterology at
ounces of a fizzy laxative potion mixed with eight
diameter, which Dr. Coll removed. Also revealed
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Min-
ounces of water, once at 11:00 A.M. and again at
were two tiny hemorrhoids that had ruptured and
neapolis. More than half of women age
6:00 P.M. Dr. Coll recommended that I stay home
were deemed the cause of my dramatic bowel
50 and over are now checked for breast
after the first dose (which I did). It made perfect
movement.
cancer, but only about 24 percent of
sense: This nasty-tasting salty, lemony drink gave
Afterward, I dozed lightly in the recovery room. I
women age 50 and over have had their
me cramps and diarrhea almost immediately, and
was a little WOOZY, but my stomach felt fine. In fact,
colon examined in the past five years, ac-
I found myself in the bathroom at 20-minute
I was hungry. I fantasized about breaking my fast
cording to the Centers for Disease Con-
intervals throughout the day. I was not only crampy
with barbecued spareribs and garlic mashed
trol and Prevention in Atlanta. Many of
and crabby but also lightheaded and weak-
potatoes, a dream that became a reality that
us put off testing, fearing it may be em-
probably dehydrated, Dr. Coll said. He also told me
evening. I returned to work, spunky as ever, the
barrassing or uncomfortable. But there's
that all of these reactions were to be expected.
next morning.
plenty of blame to go around: Some doc-
The next morning, at 8:30 A.M., I went to Sharon
A few days later, I learned that the polyps were
tors don't tell us to get screened-and
Hospital in Connecticut. I got undressed, put on a
benign. I was glad I'd had the colonoscopy-and
some insurance companies won't pay for
cotton gown, and was instructed to lie on a
relieved when Dr. Coll told me that the type of
the best testing.
stretcher. A nurse explained that the colonoscope,
polyps he'd removed never becomes cancerous. So
Three years ago, when the American
a thin, lighted probe with a cameralike device at
I don't have to have another colonoscopy for seven
Digestive Health Foundation polled
one end, would be threaded into my colon. Air
to ten years.
-Maxine Paetro
KATIE COURIC
COLON CANCER
cil eraser, and up to seven more years to
turn cancerous.
(continued from page 127)
(continued from page 129)
Elizabeth Ely, 55, an interior decora-
Do you share them with your daughters?
end. The device transmits images of the
tor in New York City, is grateful that she
I'm putting together a book of all the let-
colon to a video screen, which the doctor
had a colonoscopy, because it saved her
ters people have written about Jay, so that
watches throughout the procedure. Any
life. Although she didn't have a family
my girls feel like they know a lot about
polyps that are discovered can be re-
history of colon cancer or any symptoms
their father and what an outstanding per-
moved during the test. Colonoscopy
(in fact, she felt great, she says), her doc-
son he was. I'm also writing them a letter
finds 97 percent of colon tumors, and the
tor encouraged her to get tested because
all about our courtship-and how we met
ACS now recommends it for everyone age
of her age. Last March, a colonoscopy
and why I fell in love with him. The idea
50 and over.
revealed a malignant rectal tumor. "I
is that when they're older they can read
The unique advantage of colonoscopy
was absolutely shocked," she recalls. "I
about him and appreciate him. I've asked
is that it's the only cancer test that can
never believed anything would be
people to write to my girls, and I've
actually prevent
received the most beautiful letters.
malignancy.
YOUR RISK AND YOUR AGE
Do the letters make you feel better, or is it
"There's a very
all a painful exercise?
strong argument
Your chance of getting colon cancer increases dramatically as you get
that people who
older. Check this chart against your age to pinpoint your risk of
It's definitely painful, but part of the
process. I think it will ultimately help.
have this test reg-
developing the disease, which strikes at an average age of 66:
But for now it reminds me how much I
ularly will never,
Ages
A Woman's Risk
A Man's Risk
miss him. Some of the letters I just can't
ever get colon
Birth to 39
1 in 2,000
1 in 1,667
read. Someday I will.
cancer, which
40 to 59
1 in 147
1 in 114
When you first went back on the Today
means it's much
60 to 79
1 in 31
1 in 24
show following death, you wore his
better for pre-
wedding ring around your neck on a
venting this dis-
Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, 1998
chain. Lately, you haven't been wearing it.
ease than mammograms are for breast
wrong with me. I've always been well."
Why did you stop?
cancer," says Robert J. Mayer, M.D., di-
She had surgery to remove the tumor,
The safety chain broke. I didn't stop for
rector of the Center for Gastrointestinal
and was relieved to learn that it was an
any symbolic reason. I just worry that
Oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer In-
early-stage cancer. She was deemed
without the safety clasp, I would lose it.
stitute in Boston. That's because virtu-
cured after the operation. "I'm very
It made me too nervous. And now I'm
ally all colon cancers begin as mush-
lucky," says Ely. "Now I'm telling my
not sure if I'll wear it again. It's a very
room-shaped or flat premalignant
clients, friends, and relatives to have the
outward symbol of one's grief, and I
growths called polyps. "About five to
test if they're fifty or over."
wore it because it made me feel very
ten percent may become cancerous, so if
Another, more famous survivor: for-
close to him, by touching it. It was
they're found and removed during
mer President Ronald Reagan, who had
a hard decision: whether he should
colonoscopy, you probably won't get
part of his intestines removed in 1985
wear the ring-or I should. I didn't know
cancer," explains Jose Guillem, M.D.,
after doctors discovered a malignant
what to do. All of my friends told me it
associate attending colorectal surgeon at
tumor through colonoscopy.
was okay for me to keep it. And I found
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cen-
a lot of solace in it. I don't think he
ter in New York City.
What's Your Life Worth?
would mind.
It appears that one colonoscopy is
Despite the lifesaving power of
Has throwing yourself back into work
enough to protect people at average risk
colonoscopy, Medicare and a number of
helped you cope?
for an entire decade, because polyps
other health plans won't pay for it. "This
You do what you have to do. I have chil-
grow very slowly, taking about five to
is unjust to the American public," says
dren to support. And kids just automati-
seven years to become the size of a pen-
Michael D. Moseson, M.D., a clinical as-
cally make you stronger. Work was a
way for me to keep going while Jay was
sick. For two hours I could distract
YOUR RISK AND YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
myself, and I think it serves the same
A person who has no cancer in her family has a one in 17 chance of developing colon cancer over a
purpose now.
lifetime. That risk increases if your relatives have had certain kinds of cancers. If you fall into any of the
What is your advice to couples who have
categories listed below, you should get a colonoscopy (total exam of the colon) by age 40, or ten years
been spared a life-threatening illness?
before the youngest age at which a family member received a diagnosis of colon cancer. If there are
Cherish each day. Get under the covers
several cases of colon cancer in your family, consider getting a genetic test at a major cancer center to
with your kids on a Saturday morning.
check for an inherited syndrome. Testing, which can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,400, can help
And even if your spouse drives you crazy
determine the age and frequency at which you need to be screened.
sometimes, remember what made you
1. You have a distant relative-an uncle, aunt, or grandparent-who has/had colon cancer.
fall in love to begin with. My daughter is
Your risk 1.5 in 17
obsessed with The Wizard of Oz, and
2. You have an immediate family member-a parent, sibling, or child-who has/had colon cancer.
there's one thing that Dorothy says
Your risk: 2 or 3 in 17
toward the end of the movie that always
3. You have two or more immediate family members who have/had colon cancer, or have one relative
affects me so much: "If I ever go looking
who developed the disease before age 50. Your risk: 3 or 4 in 17
for my heart's desire again, I won't look
4. You have one or more immediate rdistant relatives who have/had breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate
Our Safti-Gr
any further than my own backyard."
cancer. Your risk: 1.5 in 17
-LC.C.
to your tub.
188 good housekeeping|October 1998
OCTOBER
1998
$1.95
Good Win a
CONTEST
Gained Back
KITCHEN
Those Pounds?
MAKEOVERS
Lose Them For Good
Great Looks
You Can
AIR BAG DANGERS
Afford
How To Keep
Your Family Safe
Do You Talk
To Yourself?
When It Helps
INTERVIEW
BEST EVER
Katie's Wish
PASTA RECIPES
Speaking out in her husband's
memory...what she
KIDS' HEALTH
desperately wants you to know
Update on Unsafe
Medicines, New
Vaccines, and More
http://goodhousekeeping.com
10
PLUS: Other stories of courage.
08345
And real hope in the
0754714
$1.95
battle to beat colon cancer.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING october
Katie's Crusade
Still coming to terms
with her husband's
death from colon
cancer, the Today
show's Katie Couric
is speaking out in his
memory. What she
wants you to know
could save your life.
BY JOANNA POWELL
124
In her handsome corner office at New York City's Rockefeller
young ages. At least 13,000 new cases
Center, Katie Couric is trying to get on with her life. Dressed
each year involve people under 50.
le
Does having lost a loved one to cancer
in a baby-blue tailored suit and heavy makeup from her
make you terrified of developing the
morning duties as cohost of NBC's Today show, she's both
disease yourself?
poised and funny as she gives a rare interview. First, she
Terrified is probably too strong a word.
But it certainly makes me feel vulnera-
takes time for a bit of girl talk about shoes. Then she turns
ble. My husband was trim, healthy, had
serious as the subject moves to her recent loss.
never smoked a cigarette. It makes me
feel vulnerable for everyone, not just for
Despite her courageous front, Katie's
myself. It's very frightening.
voice cracks often during our conversa-
How did you keep going after Jay's death?
tion, and her eyes well up with tears. It
As hard as it is for everybody who faces a
has been just a few months since the
tragedy in their lives, you really don't
death of her husband, TV legal analyst
have much of a choice. You can stay in
Jay Monahan, who at 42, lost a swift,
bed every day, or for weeks or months at a
brutal fight with colon cancer. As a new-
time, or you can just keep going. Children
ly single mother with two small children
force you to keep going. You don't have
(Ellie, 7, and Carrie, 2½), Katie is still
the luxury of putting your head in the
reeling from the shock.
sand. My children are a tremendous
But in her search for solace, she has
source of comfort, tremendously motivat-
found some touchstones. In one corner
ing for me. Because I have responsibili-
of her office there is a small antique
ties. It's not just financial. It's being there
chest of drawers that was a birthday gift
for them because they are children.
from her husband the year before he
How was Jay's cancer discovered?
died. Once a scientist's display cabinet,
He was already very sick when doctors
it is filled with delicate eggs of various
diagnosed it in April 1997. He had no
wild birds. Even though some of the
symptoms. Jay was tired, but we thought
eggs have already broken, Katie has
it was because he was flying back and
protectively made a handwritten sign
forth to California for his job [as a TV
that reads FRAGILE and taped it to the
Katie with husband Jay in 1995.
legal analyst]. And we had two small chil-
top of the chest. "I'm just so afraid it
"We had no idea
dren bringing every bug in America into
might get damaged," she says. "It
the house. We had no idea what was
means so much to me."
what was going on in
going on in his body. This cancer is so
What also means a lot to Katie is her
decision to turn her grief into action-by
his body. This cancer
insidious.
What are the lessons to be learned?
launching a fight to raise awareness
is so insidious.'
For one, that there are often very few
about colon cancer. It is to that end that
symptoms until it's too late. I'm not say-
she is anchoring a five-part series about
ish about it. It might cost you your life.
ing everyone in America is walking
the disease on the Today show from
For the Today show's series on colon can-
around with colon cancer, but everyone
September 14 to 18. And it is why, for
cer, we interviewed a Yale-educated doc-
needs to know that it is a possibility. And
this interview, she agreed to talk inti-
tor who was going to give a talk on colon
they need to rule it out. The only way to
mately about her loss-and her ongoing
cancer at the Yale Club in New York
be really safe is to be tested. I'd like for
effort to understand it.
City. He was asked to change the subject
people to become more aware of
Joanna Powell: You've been very private
of his talk to make it more palatable. Peo-
colonoscopy, an exam that allows a doctor
since your husband died. Why are you
ple educated at a university like Yale can-
to check the colon for abnormalities, and
speaking out now?
not deal with colon cancer? I just couldn't
to decide with their doctors whether one
Katie Couric: Colon cancer has taken a
believe it.
is warranted.
huge personal toll on my life. Now I'd
What do you want people to be especially
Do you think there's anything doctors
like to help educate others about this dis-
aware of?
know now that might have made a differ-
ease. I want everyone to understand that
People need to know that colon cancer
ence in saving Jay's life?
women as well as men get colon cancer.
can strike the young. My husband was
My husband's mom, who is now in her
Young people as well as old people get it.
barely 42 years old. My executive produc-
60s, has ovarian cancer-it was diagnosed
And frankly, very few people take advan-
er, Jeff Zucker, got it, and he was only 31.
about three years ago. His grandmother
tage of the preventive tools that exist.
Fortunately, he survived. Last weekend,
died of breast cancer. There is a growing
Too many Americans don't get tested
I ran into a farmer I know out in the coun-
body of thought that these glandular can-
because they don't want to talk about
try. Jay and I always bought produce from
cers-breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate,
that part of their body.
him. When I saw him, he said, "I'm SO
and colon-may be related, that there is
How can we break the stigma of this
sorry about Jay. You know I lost my
perhaps, a genetic link. If we had known
disease?
fiancée five years ago to colon cancer." I
this, Jay might have been screened for
I think we have to use the words, say
asked how old she was, and he said,
colon cancer. I now certainly believe you
them. Colon. Rectum. Bowels. The more
"Thirty-eight." I can't tell you how many
should think long and hard about an
matter of fact you are with the language,
people wrote to me whose husbands or
early colonoscopy, not only if your aunt or
the more it helps. You can't be squeam-
wives were taken by this disease at very
grandmother or other relative has colon
cancer, but also if any of these glandular
treatment for colon cancer is a drug that
going to get through it and continue to fly
never forg
in the healthiest way possible. Talk to
weren't th
cancers exist in your family. I firmly
was developed in the 1950's. I hope that
believe you have to be your own best
more money-government and private-
your child's teachers; talk honestly with
I'll never fc
children about the death in an age-
What did 1
advocate. We're hearing now that every-
can be devoted to cancer research. If we
one 50 and up should have a colonoscopy
can put Sojourner on Mars, we can come
appropriate way. Parents can't just forget
Just "Thin
regardless of risk factors or symptoms.
up with something that keeps cancer
about it and hope their kids will be okay.
you need I
But all the doctors I know-and I know a
What should you do to keep the loved
ing, comfor
from destroying so many lives.
lot of them-say they had or will get a
How do you feel about the body's ability
one's memory alive?
Tuesdays wr
colonoscopy by their fortieth birthday.
to "beat cancer"? Is it possible? People talk
You can't schedule a child's grief. You
fessor dying
That ought to tell you something.
a lot about fighting it psychologically.
really have to have a good sense of what's
his relation
Problem is, even if you have a family
I think you have to have hope and a fight-
right for your child; you can't force-feed
He talked
history of colon cancer, doctors often
ing spirit. On the other hand, this idea that
your child. I try to talk about Jay in a very
dreamlike si
natural way, because he comes up all the
how people
time. Yet I don't try to sit with my child
lives, chatti
"Little things help-like having my
in some kind of artificial environment,
store, and pu
and have her discuss things with me that
is going on S'
husband's money clip in my purse. And
maybe she's not ready to talk about. I
I think wl
being in a room where he spent time."
think you have to pick up cues from
life has chan
them. The other day my daughter Carrie
it's very reas:
was on her play telephone telling me,
world throu
recommend you be screened by a flexible
people who survive cancer are stronger
"Mom, it's Daddy calling from heaven."
Everything
sigmoidoscopy, not a colonoscopy.
willed or more motivated or have a greater
It was heartbreaking, but I wanted to
like B.C. an
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is effective for
explore it with her, so we started talking.
After Cancer
desire to live is really unfair to people who
only the lower third to half of the colon.
don't beat it. I think cancer, frankly, comes
She's only 2½, but I didn't want to just
on commerce
My feeling is if you really want to be sure,
down to biology and luck. The cemeteries
ignore her and what she was saying. It's
buried in a ca
getting a flex sig is like getting a mam-
are full of people who wanted to live more
an awful lot for grown-ups to handle
terrifying. WI
mogram on one breast.
than anything and couldn't.
their own pain and loss, but they can't
After your husband found out he had
It's a very confusing concept-the idea
forget about the children. They're going
colon cancer, what did you do to fight the
that if you fight hard enough you can cure
through it too. It's very easy in a situation
Th
disease?
yourself.
like this to feel completely and utterly
I can share some of my personal experi-
I'm thrilled for people who beat it,
overwhelmed. But I think parents have a
ence, but I want to be careful not to
because I know they've been to hell and
real responsibility to pull it together for
invade my husband's privacy or dignity in
back. But to imply that they are mentally
their children.
any way. Immediately after he received
superior to those who don't beat it is just
Has your mother been helpful to you dur-
his diagnosis, I began to amass a lot of
plain wrong.
ing this ordeal?
information on treatment, clinical trials,
The other part of your story is surviving
Oh, yes. I'm very close to my parents. I
and experimental drugs. I was extremely
the grief after losing your husband. Is
went through a period when I was just
frustrated to discover there's no single
there anything that's been especially help-
impossible to deal with. Because I was
source for learning about the various
ful in your life in the past months?
just so, so upset and angry and furious
experimental treatments for your specific
Talking to other women who have been
with the world. Talk about unconditional
disease. Pharmaceutical and biotech com-
through similar circumstances. Nobody
love. They've always been there for me.
panies are highly competitive and some-
else really understands. I didn't before it
What about friends? How have they
times secretive about the kinds of tests
happened to me. As empathetic as
responded?
they're doing. The technology is chang-
friends and family want to be, it's just
I think this is really important. A lot of
ing at breakneck speed. And it's hard to
such a lonely, painful experience. It's
people are at a loss when it comes to help-
find sources that are in plain English, not
very meaningful to have someone who
ing friends feel better. A lot of people pull
medicalese. It was very troubling to me.
can relate to an earth-shattering event in
back because they don't want to be inva-
Here I was, a reporter. I've spent the last
the same way you do.
sive or intrusive.
20 years researching and investigating.
Do you have any advice to parents with
Or say the wrong things.
But when it came to tracking down infor-
young children who have lost a loved one?
Or say the wrong things. It's painful for a
mation that could potentially save a life, I
I'd hate to profess to be an expert. It's
lot of people because it reminds them of
hit one obstacle after another. I'm heart-
definitely baptism by fire when you're in
their own mortality. But when someone
ened to hear that the National Cancer
a situation like this. Every child is differ-
you care about is going through something
Institute has just implemented a new
ent, every parent is different, every situa-
as traumatic as this, you can't stop trying to
Web site clearinghouse, so some of this
tion is different. But I do think you need
get in-even if they push you away, initial-
information is easier to access but I defi-
to be very proactive in helping your
ly, because they're so knocked off their
children through an ordeal like this. And
foundation and their world has just fallen
nitely think more could be done.
Do you find it frustrating that cancer is
you need to do everything you can to
apart. If they push you away, and you real-
still the No. 2 killer in this country after
keep them healthy and whole. You can't
ly care-push back. Keep trying. When all
heart disease?
think that they are just children and they
you're going through it, you're scared
Incredibly. It's been more than 25 years
won't be affected, or they'll get over it, or
the time. I had one friend who wrote mea
since Richard Nixon declared war on can-
children are resilient. Some of that is true,
card every week and called me every
cer. And while there have been tremen-
but I think you have to very consciously
week, and I never called her back. But I'll
dous strides, the first-line chemotherapy
take steps to make sure that they're
I'm so grateful that she kept trying.
126
never forget that. And the people who
bility in your life, these things are not fun-
the Civil War, at our house in the country
weren't there and didn't keep or trying,
ny. Even hearing cartoon characters say,
and I go into that room and look at the
I'll never forget that either.
"Drop dead." I remember looking at a
things he loved-which, of course, I didn't
What did the cards say?
magazine cover on summer pleasures,
appreciate as much when he was living.
Just "Thinking about you," "I'm here if
and thinking, Wow, I wish that's all I cared
That's a very special place for me. I find
you need me." That was a very reassur-
about: what I was going to do this summer,
that talking about him to those people
ing, comforting thing. I think of the book
what movies I was going to see. I think it's
who cared about him and miss him is real-
Tuesdays with Morrie (about a college pro-
important to acknowledge that someone's
ly helpful. Sometimes when you lose
fessor dying of Lou Gehrig's disease and
world has taken a gut-wrenching tum.
someone, other people just want it to be
his relationship with a former student).
Is there any place or item that you shared
in the past and not talk about it. I appreci-
He talked about how you're in this
with Jay that now offers comfort?
ate having people say how much they
dreamlike state and you can't understand
Nothing really comforts me, I'm sorry to
cared about him and miss him too.
how people are just going on with their
report. It's only been months since my
Are you still close to his family?
lives, chatting and going to the grocery
husband died. And, frankly, I still can't
Yes. Jay was one of seven children, and I
store, and pushing baby strollers. That life
believe it. When I think about it, it just
often speak to his siblings as well as to his
is going on swimmingly for everyone else.
permeates every cell in my body. You
parents. They're all wonderful. I also like
I think when people acknowledge that
can forget about it temporarily. But then
to talk to other people who knew him
life has changed in a horrible way for you,
the grief comes like a huge wave and like
well and were profoundly affected by
it's very reassuring. I used to say I saw the
a horrible invasion of your heart and soul.
him. Someone sent me a letter telling me
world through cancer-colored glasses.
Little things help me-like having my
about Jay's experience in the Navy. I just
Everything just looks very different. It's
husband's money clip in my purse. And
got his transcripts from college and read his
like B.C. and A.C.-Before Cancer and
just being in a room where he spent a lot
guidance counselor's recommendation and
After Cancer. You see references to death
of time. But I don't have any sort of ritual
his entrance essay. It was very revealing.
on commercials; you see a man being
or supercomforting place. I'm still looking
He wrote things that I didn't know about
buried in a car, and it's not a big joke. It's
for that. My husband had a collection of
him. It's nice to have, but sometimes so
terrifying. When death is a distinct possi-
historic military pieces, particularly from
hard to read.
(continued on page 188)
The Stories of Three Families Left Behind
KATHY JOCHHAUSER
"HE NEVER LOST HIS SPIRIT"
DAUGHTERS
I
n 1993, Kathy Hochhauser and her husband, Ken, were feeling
Ellen, 18, SEATED,
hopeful about their future together. The parents of two daughters-
14.
Ellen, 12 at the time, and Gwen, 9-they were strong-willed people
whose marriage had been troubled: the couple were in counseling. But
now they were trying to put the bad times behind them.
Then, one day, Ken, a 45-year-old accountant at a computer company
in Framingham, MA, noticed blood in his stool. "I urged him to go to the
doctor, but he put it off for a few months," says Kathy, now 50, a public
school secretary. When he finally had a colonoscopy, an examination of the
colon, the news wasn't good: A tumor was found. Ken had surgery
immediately, but the cancer had already spread to his liver. Although he
would get chemotherapy and radiation-including an experimental drug-
the doctors indicated that he didn't have long to live.
"He was a fighter; he was going to prove them wrong," recalls Kathy.
And he did. For three years after the surgery, he lived life to the fullest.
"He'd be nauseated after a chemotherapy session, but he'd insist on
playing basketball," says Kathy. And he rallied enough to attend Gwen's
bat mitzvah in November 1996. "He even found the strength to dance
with me," says Kathy.
She and Ken grew closer than they had ever been. Kathy drove him to
and from treatments and nursed him through the long nights. "He never
lost his spirit," she reports. "Two weeks before he died, I asked him if
there was anything I could get for him, and he grinned and said, 'A
pastrami sandwich.' I went to the deli right away."
On July 3. 1997, Ken, at age 49, lost his battle against colon cancer.
Kathy had grieved a lot during the years she cared for Ken, but now she
couldn't stop thinking about what could have been done to save her
young husband's life. For 25 years, Ken had suffered from chronic bowel
problems, and Kathy now says she wishes he'd been screened earlier. "If
only one person reads this and goes for a checkup," she says, "none of
what we went through will have been in vain."
-Sondra Forsyth
Chelsie SHERER
"SHE WAS A REAL GOOD MoM"
7, ANDHER
father, Tripp.
C
helsie Sherer, a 7-year-old who loves to swim and watch videos,
T
seems like 8 typical second grader. But those close to her know
she's wrestling with a terrible trauma: the loss of her mother. In
1996, at age 28, Lisa Sherer died of a rare, genetic form of colon cancer, leav-
ing behind her only child and ner husband, Tripp, a dental technician.
Chelsie was not yet 3 when Lisa first got sick in 1993. She passed a lot of
blood one day and was rushed to the emergency room. It turned out she had
familial polyposis, a condition in which thousands of polyps grow or the
-
colon, and her polyps were malignant. She was given a year and a half to live.
(
The doctors told Tripp that the polyps start out benign but if not removed al-
most always become malignant by the time the person is 40. Tripp recalled
II
(
I
that Lisa frequently had diarrhea and lacked stamina. When he asked her
(
about it, she told him she had received a diagnosis of a spastic colon when
:
she was a teenager. No formai testing had been done. if it had, the condition
1
could have been detected sooner.
Though Lisa didn't know of any relatives with familial polypos:s, Tripp wor-
volved: n:
ried that she might have passed it on to Chelsie, so he arranged to have her
made up .
tested. Sure enough, Chelsie had the condition. "But we caught it early
tube that I
enough; her polyps were still precancerous," says Tripp. However, doctors had
food and e:
to remove Chelsie's eatire large intestine to protect her from cancer.
tum, the I:
Lisa was SO ill that, at first, Tripp didn't tell her that Chelsie had inherited
large intes
her condition and undergone surgery. But three months before Lisa died, Tripp
rity has go
decided she should know: "She was extremely upset, but I said the way I saw
account of
it, she gave Chelsie life, and now she was saving Chelsie's life. After that, I
as former
asked her if she wanted to renew our VOWS. She said yes." The ceremonywas
breast ca:
performed at Lisa's bedside on May 12, 1996. Two weeks later, she died.
Schwarzk
Today, Lisa's framed photograph sits on the dresser in the bedroom she
Many .
and Tripp once shared. "Sometimes I go into Daddy's room and look at my
strikes m
mom's picture," says Chelsie. "She was a real good mom."
-S.F.
doctors an
patients w
"I WISH I COULD SEE HIM AGAIN"
develop tl
CLOCKWISETROM
ast Christmas, not long after she turned 16, Lynne Patterson's
netic prec
L
LEFT: Lynni
father, Michael, gave her a 1989 Volkswagen and two promises.
tually kills
Patterson, 16.
First, as a mechanic, he'd keep the vehicle in top shape. Second,
they don'
GEORGIA her
men. Thi
he'd help her get her license. But Michael, 50, of Medford, MA, wouldn't live
MOTHER; Amy, 15
and 64,60
long enough to celebrate that rite of passage with his oldest daughter.
TIMOTHY, 11, (ND
cer, and 2
On February 6, he was admitted to the hospital with a fever of 103°F.
JACQUELINE, 14.
will die fi
Tests showed that Michael seemed to be losing blood, SO a CT scan was
can Canc
performed. It revealed a mass in his abdomen. Surgery turned up a
The :
malignancy on his colon-as well as 14 other tumors. The prognosis? At
screening
most, several months for Michael to spend with his wife, Georgia, and Lynne
known ai
and her three siblings: Amy, 15; Jacqueline, 14; and Timothy, 11.
be preve
"I couldn't believe it," says Lynne. "The doctors said the tumor must have
could sav
taken at least five years to get that big, but my dad hadn't seemed sick at
year, but
all." Michael did experience some rectal bleeding-the No. 1 sign of colon
Bond, M
cancer. At first it was some slight spotting. Then, by October 1997, the
Veterans
bleeding had become pronounced, SO Michael went to the doctor. His
neapolis
physician found a hemorrhoid and suggested that Michael have a colon-
50 and o
cancer test, which he postponed. Georgia now wishes she and Michael had
cancer,
paid more attention to those earlier symptoms.
women
Despite the grim prognosis, Lynne thought she'd have at least one more
colon ex
summer with her father. "We had always been really close," she says. "Ever
cording
since I was a little girl, our family had traveled to Maine in July. My dad would
trol and
wake me up at five in the morning, SO the two of us could walk to the bakery
us put o
to get pastries hot from the oven. I pictured us walking together again."
barrassi
It wasn't to be. By February 14, Michael had developed complications
plenty of
from the surgery, and four days later. he was gone. "It's still hard to accept,"
tors do
says Lynne. "Something in the house will break, and I'll think, Oh, Dad will fix
some in
that. I wish I could see him again, even just one more time, to tell him I love
the best
him and to hear him say that he loves me."
-S.F.
Thre
Digest
128
The Preventable Cancer
The right testing for colon cancer can save your life.
What every woman needs to know. by Lisa Collier Cool
t's the second most deadly
adults age 50 and over-the group with
Screening Tests," page 190).
cancer, killing more people
the highest rate of colon tumors-an as-
What makes the screening shortfall
I
each year than breast or
tonishing 61 percent of women said
so troublesome is that colon cancer
prostate cancer. Yet colon
their doctors had never advised any kind
often produces no symptoms in its early
cancer doesn't receive nearly
of screening. Many primary-care doctors
stages, when it is 90 percent curable. If
as much attention. That's
aren't educated about the tremendous
not detected, it typically goes unnoticed
partly because no one likes to
benefits of testing, according to Albert
until it has spread beyond the in-
talk about the body parts in-
Palitz, M.D., director of the colorectal
testines-at which point the five-year
volved: namely, the large intestine,
cancer prevention program at Kaiser
survival rate is less than 60 percent.
made up of the colon, a six-foot-long
Permanente, a large California-based
tube that removes water from digested
health maintenance organization. "Only
The Best Protection
food and expels solid waste; and the rec-
in the last five years have studies pro-
Colon-cancer experts agree that the "gold
tum, the last six to eight inches of the
vided clear evidence that screening can
standard" of screening is colonoscopy, a
large intestine. What's more, no celeb-
prevent death," he notes. However, the
15- to 20-minute test in which the entire
rity has gone public with a first-person
ACS has supported colon-cancer screen-
colon is checked for tumors using a
account of the disease to raise awareness,
ing for nearly two decades, issuing new
lighted flexible tube with a cameralike
as former First Lady Betty Ford did for
guidelines last year (see "Rating the
device at one (continued on page 188)
breast cancer and General Norman
Schwarzkopf did for prostate cancer.
Many women assume colon cancer
THE GOLD-STANDARD 20-MINUTE TEST:
strikes mostly the elderly-or men. But
ONE Woman's STORY
doctors are seeing younger and younger
patients with the disease, some of whom
ot long ago, I saw something
would be injected into my intestines so the doctor
develop the illness early because of a ge-
netic predisposition. And the cancer ac-
N
alarming in the toilet. "This isn't
would have a good view, and that would produce a
good," I said out loud, staring at
gassy, uncomfortable feeling. Sedation would be
tually kills more women-mainly because
the bloody stool I discovered. I'm
necessary. I was told that there would be no
they don't get screened as frequently as
52, and my mother has a history of colon polyps.
discomfort when the probe was slowly retracted,
men. This year, about 67,000 women-
So I made an appointment with William Coll, M.D.,
so I asked to be awakened midprocedure. I wanted
and 64,600 men-will develop colon can-
a local gastroenterologist, who helped me arrive at
to see for myself what was going on inside.
cer, and 28,600 women and 27,900 men
an obvious conclusion: I needed to have my colon
Dr. Coll used intravenous Demerol (a sedative
will die from it, according to the Ameri-
checked for cancer. I was scared, so I elected, as
and painkiller) and Versed (another sedative) to
can Cancer Society (ACS).
advised by Dr. Coll, to have a colonoscopy, which
knock me out during the first part of the
The good news: With the right
would enable him to inspect my entire colon.
procedure. Then, I got a drug that would wake me
screening, the disease-technically
In the 24 hours before the procedure, I needed
up. When I opened my eyes, the scope, now about
known as colorectal cancer-can actually
to cleanse and flush my colon SO that Dr. Coll's
four feet up my innards, displayed interior shots of
be prevented. "Widespread screening
view would be unobstructed. My diet was restricted
my colon on a monitor only a few feet away. Inside
could save at least thirty-thousand lives a
to clear liquids and chilled bouillon. But that
this strange labyrinth of pink-gold crinkles and
year, but sadly, very few get it," says John
wasn't all. I was ordered to take one and a half
folds were two tiny polyps, six millimeters in
Bond, M.D., chief of gastroenterology at
ounces of a fizzy laxative potion mixed with eight
diameter, which Dr. Coll removed. Also revealed
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Min-
ounces of water, once at 11:00 A.M. and again at
were two tiny hemorrhoids that had ruptured and
neapolis. More than half of women age
6:00 P.M. Dr. Coll recommended that I stay home
were deemed the cause of my dramatic bowel
50 and over are now checked for breast
after the first dose (which I did). It made perfect
movement.
cancer, but only about 24 percent of
sense: This nasty-tasting salty, lemony drink gave
Afterward, I dozed lightly in the recovery room. I
women age 50 and over have had their
me cramps and diarrhea almost immediately, and
was a little WOOZY, but my stomach felt fine. In fact,
colon examined in the past five years, ac-
I found myself in the bathroom at 20-minute
I was hungry. I fantasized about breaking my fast
cording to the Centers for Disease Con-
intervals throughout the day. I was not only crampy
with barbecued spareribs and garlic mashed
trol and Prevention in Atlanta. Many of
and crabby but also lightheaded and weak-
potatoes, a dream that became a reality that
us put off testing, fearing it may be em-
probably dehydrated, Dr. Coll said. He also told me
evening. I returned to work, spunky as ever, the
barrassing or uncomfortable. But there's
that all of these reactions were to be expected.
next morning.
plenty of blame to go around: Some doc-
The next morning, at 8:30 A.M., I went to Sharon
A few days later, I learned that the polyps were
tors don't tell us to get screened-and
Hospital in Connecticut. I got undressed, put on a
benign. I was glad I'd had the colonoscopy-and
some insurance companies won't pay for
cotton gown, and was instructed to lie on a
relieved when Dr. Coll told me that the type of
the best testing.
stretcher. A nurse explained that the colonoscope,
polyps he'd removed never becomes cancerous. So
Three years ago, when the American
a thin, lighted probe with a cameralike device at
I don't have to have another colonoscopy for seven
Digestive Health Foundation polled
one end, would be threaded into my colon. Air
to ten years.
Maxine Paetro
KATIE COURIC
COLON CANCER
cil eraser, and up to seven more years to
turn cancerous.
(continued from page 127)
(continued from page 129)
Elizabeth Ely, 55, an interior decora-
Do you share them with your daughters?
end. The device transmits images of the
tor in New York City, is grateful that she
I'm putting together a book of all the let-
colon to a video screen, which the doctor
had a colonoscopy, because it saved her
ters people have written about Jay, so that
watches throughout the procedure. Any
my girls feel like they know a lot about
polyps that are discovered can be re-
life. Although she didn't have a family
history of colon cancer or any symptoms
their father and what an outstanding per-
moved during the test. Colonoscopy
(in fact, she felt great, she says), her doc-
son he was. I'm also writing them a letter
finds 97 percent of colon tumors, and the
tor encouraged her to get tested because
all about our courtship-and how we met
ACS now recommends it for everyone age
of her age. Last March, a colonoscopy
and why I fell in love with him. The idea
50 and over.
revealed a malignant rectal tumor. "I
is that when they're older they can read
The unique advantage of colonoscopy
was absolutely shocked," she recalls. "I
about him and appreciate him. I've asked
is that it's the only cancer test that can
never believed anything would be
people to write to my girls, and I've
actually prevent
received the most beautiful letters.
malignancy.
YOUR RISK AND YOUR AGE
Do the letters make you feel better, or is it
"There's a very
all a painful exercise?
strong argument
Your chance of getting colon cancer increases dramatically as you get
It's definitely painful, but part of the
that people who
older. Check this chart against your age to pinpoint your risk of
process. I think it will ultimately help.
have this test reg-
developing the disease, which strikes at an average age of 66:
But for now it reminds me how much I
ularly will never,
Ages
A Woman's Risk
A Man's Risk
miss him. Some of the letters I just can't
ever get colon
Birth to 39
1 in 2,000
1 in 1,667
read. Someday I will.
cancer, which
40 to 59
1 in 147
1 in 114
When you first went back on the Today
means it's much
60 to 79
1 in 31
1 in 24
show following Jay's death, you wore his
better for pre-
wedding ring around your neck on a
venting this dis-
Source: American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, 1998
chain. Lately, you haven't been wearing it.
ease than mammograms are for breast
wrong with me. I've always been well."
Why did you stop?
cancer," says Robert J. Mayer, M.D., di-
She had surgery to remove the tumor,
The safety chain broke. I didn't stop for
rector of the Center for Gastrointestinal
and was relieved to learn that it was an
any symbolic reason. I just worry that
Oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer In-
early-stage cancer. She was deemed
without the safety clasp, I would lose it.
stitute in Boston. That's because virtu-
cured after the operation. "I'm very
It made me too nervous. And now I'm
ally all colon cancers begin as mush-
lucky," says Ely. "Now I'm telling my
not sure if I'll wear it again. It's a very
room-shaped or flat premalignant
clients, friends, and relatives to have the
outward symbol of one's grief, and I
growths called polyps. "About five to
test if they're fifty or over."
wore it because it made me feel very
ten percent may become cancerous, so if
Another, more famous survivor: for-
close to him, by touching it. It was
they're found and removed during
mer President Ronald Reagan, who had
a hard decision: whether he should
colonoscopy, you probably won't get
part of his intestines removed in 1985
wear the ring-or I should. I didn't know
cancer," explains Jose Guillem, M.D.,
after doctors discovered a malignant
what to do. All of my friends told me it
associate attending colorectal surgeon at
tumor through colonoscopy.
was okay for me to keep it. And I found
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cen-
a lot of solace in it. I don't think he
ter in New York City.
What's Your Life Worth?
would mind.
It appears that one colonoscopy is
Despite the lifesaving power of
Has throwing yourself back into work
enough to protect people at average risk
colonoscopy, Medicare and a number of
helped you cope?
for an entire decade, because polyps
other health plans won't pay for it. "This
You do what you have to do. I have chil-
grow very slowly, taking about five to
is unjust to the American public," says
dren to support. And kids just automati-
seven years to become the size of a pen-
Michael D. Moseson, M.D., a clinical as-
cally make you stronger. Work was a
way for me to keep going while Jay was
sick. For two hours I could distract
YOUR RISK AND YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
myself, and I think it serves the same
A person who has no cancer in her family has a one in 17 chance of developing colon cancer over a
purpose now.
lifetime. That risk increases if your relatives have had certain kinds of cancers. If you fall into any of the
What is your advice to couples who have
categories listed below, you should get a colonoscopy (total exam of the colon) by age 40, or ten years
been spared a life-threatening illness?
before the youngest age at which a family member received a diagnosis of colon cancer. If there are
Cherish each day. Get under the covers
several cases of colon cancer in your family, consider getting a genetic test at a major cancer center to
with your kids on a Saturday morning.
check for an inherited syndrome. Testing, which can cost anywhere from $250 to $2,400, can help
And even if your spouse drives you crazy
determine the age and frequency at which you need to be screened.
sometimes, remember what made you
1. You have a distant relative-an uncle, aunt, or grandparent-who has/had colon cancer.
fall in love to begin with. My daughter is
Your risk: 1.5 in 17
obsessed with The Wizard of Oz, and
2. You have an immediate family member-a parent, sibling, or child-who has/had colon cancer.
there's one thing that Dorothy says
Your risk: 2 or 3 in 17
toward the end of the movie that always
3. You have two or more immediate family members who have/had colon cancer, or have one relative
affects me so much: "IfI ever go looking
who developed the disease before age 50. Your risk: 3 or 4 in 17
for my heart's desire again, I won't look
4. You have one or more immediate or distant relatives who have/had breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate
Our Safti-Gri
any further than my own backyard."
cancer. Your risk: 1.5 in 17
-LC.C.
to your tub. \
188 good housekeeping|October 1998
FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON PROMOTES
COLON CANCER AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
September 10, 1998
Today, at the White House, the First Lady will announce a series of initiatives to raise
awareness about colon cancer. She will announce a new research grant to fight colon cancer,
release a survey reporting that many Americans do not receive appropriate screening for this
disease, unveil a new public service announcement to promote prevention, and announce new
public and private sector partnerships to raise awareness. The First Lady will be joined by Katie
Couric, NBC "Today Show" Anchor; Ellen Levine, Editor-in-Chief of "Good Housekeeping"
Magazine; Dr. Bernard Levin, a colon cancer specialist and chair of the National Colorectal
Cancer Roundtable; and Secretary Shalala.
Colon Cancer - A Preventable Killer. Colon cancer is the number one non-tobacco-related
cancer killer, with more than 50,000 Americans dying each year from the disease. For both men
and women, it is the third most common cancer, and 130,000 Americans contract the disease
each year. Men and women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing colorectal
cancer. However, it is preventable and curable when detected early; in fact, a patient whose
cancer is detected early has more than a 90 percent chance of survival. Raising awareness about
colon cancer and the importance of screening can save lives.
New Grant to Fund Colon Cancer Research. The First Lady will announce a new $8 million
grant by the National Institutes of Health to the Seattle Gastrointestinal Program Project for
research aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating colon cancer. The grant will help scientists
better determine who is at risk for colon cancer and will test new strategies to reduce their cancer
risk. The grant will also be used to develop more sensitive and precise ways of screening colon
cancer than those available today.
New Survey Demonstrates Need for Greater Need for Colon Cancer Awareness. The First
Lady will release a survey finding that nearly 50 percent of men and women over the age of 50
of those at highest risk for colon cancer have never been screened. Forty-seven percent of
those not tested reported that no medical professional had ever recommended that they be
screened for colon cancer. Although colon cancer occurs with almost equal frequency in men
and women over the age of 50, 49 percent of women reported not having been screened
compared to 36 percent of men. Dramatic differences were also present between whites and non-
whites. Forty-four percent of whites reported not having taken any of the three tests used for
screening, as opposed to 56 percent of non-whites. While most of the adults surveyed believed
that early detection could save lives, few were aware that screening and dietary changes could
help prevent the onset of colorectal cancer. This national survey was conducted by the Gallup
Organization.
A New Media Campaign: With its October issue, "Good Housekeeping" Magazine is initiating
a year-long colon cancer awareness campaign. The October issue will contain a major medical
report on what women can do to protect themselves from colon cancer. In addition, NBC's
"Today Show" will present a week-long in-depth series, "Confronting Colon Cancer," that will
offer a comprehensive look at this preventable disease.
New Partnership Between Public and Private Sector. The First Lady will also announce the
creation of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable unprecedented private and public sector
partnership to promote greater awareness of colon cancer. Group members include the Centers
for Disease Control, the American Cancer Society, the American Digestive Health Foundation.
Raising Awareness through a New Public Service Announcement. A new public service
announcement featuring the First Lady will be unveiled urging all Americans over the age of 50
to be screened for colorectal cancer. NBC will air the PSA, and the print version will appear in
the January issue of Good Housekeeping. The PSA will also be distributed nationally.
New Internet Site to Answer Questions on Colon Cancer. The First Lady will also announce
a new Internet chatroom that will allow consumers, patients, family members, survivors, and
people at high risk for the disease to engage in live discussions of issues relating to colorectal
cancer. Doctors and other experts will be available on line to answer questions about this
disease. The website address is www.gastro.org/adhf.html, and it will be sponsored by the
American Digestive Health Foundation, a member of the Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
New Private Sector Commitments to Raise Awareness: The First Lady will also announce
new private sector commitments to promote colon cancer awareness, by bringing attention to the
importance of prevention and early detection. Commitments include:
American Airlines will publish the public service announcement on colon cancer in its in-
flight magazine, where it may reach approximately two million travelers in the U.S. and
abroad.
The Kellogg Company USA will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection by
printing public service messages on five million packages of All Bran and Bran Buds cereal
boxes.
American Greetings will create an insert for prescriptions that promotes prevention and early
detection of colorectal cancer. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores will distribute
the insert to all of its pharmacies and pharmacists.
Bristol-Meyers Squibb Oncology has provided a $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that it will initiate at
all of its work sites, and send to companies all around the country.
Olympus America, Inc., will sponsor an education program on colon cancer that will be sent
to the administrators of retirement communities all across the country.
General Motors will publish an article in its newsletter to encourage its two million
employees to research information relating to preventing, detecting and understanding
colorectal cancer.
Other private industries included in the partnership are Smith Kline Diagnostics, Eli Lilly and
Company, and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, all of whom have committed to raise awareness
among their thousands of employees about colon cancer.
Things To Do
"I feel fine."
"My schedule is too hectic."
7:00 9:00 Tennis Staff Meeting
Colon Cancer Test
"I'm only 50."
11:00 12:30 Dry Cleaning Rita
MAKE THE TIME TO GET
1:45 Lunch w/
A TEST THAT COULD SAVE
3:00 Conference Call
YOUR LIFE.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cancer killer and every-
one aged 50 and older is at risk. More than 50,000 Americans
will die from colon cancer and 131,600 new cases will be
diagnosed this year.
Colon cancer is an equal-opportunity disease that affects both women and men. This silent
killer frequently begins without symptoms and those with a family history are at even
greater risk.
THE GOOD NEWS IS:
Colon cancer is preventable-even curable
when detected early. In fact, if cancer is found
early enough, the patient has more than a 90
percent chance of survival.
Colon cancer screenings are safe and effective and
are now covered by Medicare and an increasing
number of other health providers. There's even
a test that can be used in the privacy of your
own home.
Talk to your doctor about getting tested.
"You can prevent colon
cancer, even beat it."
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
NATIONAL
olorectal
Cancer
ROUNDTABLE
SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
AT 1-800-ACS-2345
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
TV PSAs
NATIONAL
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
:60/:30/:15
olorectal
"Hillary Rodham Clinton on Colon Cancer"
ancer
ROUNDTABLE
MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
Public Service Director:
COLORECTAL CANCER ROUNDTABLE
Dear having a disease that rarely in the produces United symploms but is
Agency for Healthcare Policy & Research
Imagine the second a most silent deadly killer that cancer affects over women the age and of 50 men is at risk. This
Alliance of Community Health Plans
cancer frequency is and everyone Americans will die from colorectal can-
American Academy of Family Physicians
equal year, more nearly than 131,600 50,000 new cases will be diagnosed.
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
cer and news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, and the dis- There even
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
The curable ease is First Colorectal no good could other Lady when reduce disease detected the about death which rate we by has can more over make awareness than the information, the this 50 age National percent. claim. about of 50 we to col- and get need
American Digestive Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
orectal screened. your the benefits help cancer As in of spreading an and screening. important the We source word a about this deadly air disease this PSA do as to
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Association of State & Territorial Directors of Health
Promotion & Public Health Education
frequently schedule it as when possible. viewers I over
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited
Colorectal Cancer
Sincerely,
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Slamin
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus & Center on Black Aged, Inc.
Bernard Levin, National M.D. Colorectal Prevention Cancer Roundtable
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
Chairman, President for Cancer Center
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
Vice M.D. Anderson Cancer
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1ST WOMAN: Okay, who's up for lunch?
2ND WOMAN: Oh yeah. It's just a colon
3RD WOMAN: I'm supposed to get screened
2ND WOMAN: Oh, sorry. I've got to take
cancer test.
too, but I don't have the time
my husband to the doctor.
4TH WOMAN: But he's so young.
3RD WOMAN: Is everything okay?
Only fifty-two.
MAKE THE TIME TO GET A TEST
THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.
Call the American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
ancer
Hillary Rodham Clintom
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: Colon can-
But you can beat it if it's detected early.
ANNCR: Call 1-800-ACS-2345.
cer kills over 50,000 people a year and
So if you're fifty or older please get tested.
strikes women nearly as often as men.
It can save your life.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Colorectal Cancer Public Service Announcements
Featuring First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
WHAT:
Television, print, and radio public service announcements (PSAs)
Centers for Disease Control
on the importance of screening to prevent and detect colorectal
and Prevention
cancer. Television and radio PSAs are available in :15, :30 and :60
Member Organizations
formats. The print PSA is available in a variety of dimensions.
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
Alliance of Community
WHO:
The PSAs feature First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton urging all
Health Plans
Americans over the age of 50 to see their doctors about getting
American Academy of
screened for colorectal cancer. The PSAs are sponsored by the
Family Physicians
American College of
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Gastroenterology
professional, consumer advocacy, and voluntary organizations,
American College of Physicians
committed to raising awareness about the prevention and early
American College of Radiology
detection of colorectal cancer (see Roundtable fact sheet).
American Digestive
Health Foundation
WHY:
50,000 Americans die every year from colorectal cancer, the
American Gastroenterological
Association
second leading cancer killer, and the disease affects women nearly
American Medical Association
as often as men. Everyone aged 50 and older is at risk for
American Medical
developing colorectal cancer, and those with a family history are at
Women's Association
even greater risk. However, colorectal cancer is preventable, even
American Society of Colon
and Rectal Surgeons
curable, when detected early. In fact, widespread screening for
American Society for
colorectal cancer could reduce the death rate by over 50 percent.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
There is no other disease about which we can make this claim.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
Everyone 50 and older should see his or her doctor about getting
Promotion and Public Health
screened for colorectal cancer.
Education
Digestive Diseases
National Coalition
WHERE: The television PSAs will be available via satellite broadcast on the
Collaborative Group of the
following days:
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Thursday, September 10th
Friday, September 11th
Cancer Center
7:30pm to 7:45pm EDT
1:00pm to 1:15pm EDT
National Cancer Institute
Satellite GE1, Transponder 1
Satellite Telestar 4, Transponder 23
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
Downlink 3720
Downlink 4160
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Audio on 6.2 and 6.8
Foundation
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
The PSAs will be widely distributed to television, radio and print public service
directors across the country. A nationally distributed trade publication for television
PSA directors will feature Mrs. Clinton's PSAs in the September issue, and the PSAs
also will be distributed through the grassroots efforts of the member organizations of
the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
For copies of the television, radio or print PSAs, contact Bill Goodwill at (703) 426-0881.
###
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
Folorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
Roundtable Member Organization Launches
Chat Room on Colorectal Cancer
www.gastro.org/adhf.html
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
On September 10th, 1998, the American Digestive Health FoundationSM's
(ADHFSM) Digestive Health Initiative® (DHI®) will debut its Internet chat
Member Organizations:
room on colorectal cancer. Located at www.gastro.org/adhf.html, this public
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
to public chat room will allow consumers, colorectal cancer patients, family
Alliance of Community
members, survivors, and people at high risk for developing the disease to
Health Plans
engage in live, real-time discussions of the many issues related to colorectal
American Academy of
Family Physicians
cancer. At this same electronic location, the DHI also will offer a colorectal
American College of
cancer message board, on which participants can post questions, answers,
Gastroenterology
information about resources, and topics for discussion concerning this disease.
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
In addition to the address above, the chat room can be accessed through the
American Digestive
home pages of the three ADHF member societies:
Health Foundation
American Gastroenterological
Association
American Gastroenterological Association: www.gastro.org
American Medical Association
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: www.asge.org
American Medical
Women's Association
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases:
American Society of Colon
www.hepar-sfgh.ucsf.edu
and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for
"Guest of the Month" Feature
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Each month, the DHI colorectal cancer chat room will feature a guest expert.
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
These guest experts, drawn from the medical, patient support, and cancer
Promotion and Public Health
Education
survivor communities, will be scheduled to appear live in the chat room to
Digestive Diseases
discuss their personal and professional experiences with colorectal cancer.
National Coalition
Throughout the month, the guest experts will also respond to questions and
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
topics of discussion posted on the message board.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
September's live guest will be actress and colorectal cancer survivor Barbara
National Cancer Institute
Barrie, co-star of the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" and author of the 1997
National Caucus and Center
book Second Act: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures. Ms. Barrie
on Black Aged, Inc.
will participate live in the chat room on September 11th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
EDT to discuss her personal experience and will respond to inquiries on the
Foundation
University of Minnesota
message board during the month of September. Dr. Bernard Levin, vice
Cancer Center
president for Cancer Prevention at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
University of Texas
Houston and chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, also
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
will be available during the last two weeks of September to respond to message board questions
and comments.
See the opening page of the chat room for information on future guest experts.
The American Digestive Health Foundation is a cooperative effort of the American
Gastroenterological Association, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The ADHF promotes digestive health for
all Americans by supporting educational initiatives and research into the causes, prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive and liver diseases. The ADHF funds basic research,
clinical research, and investigations into prevention strategies, and has established four
interdependent initiatives to advance its digestive health agenda.
###
* National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable member.
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
olorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Founding Organizations:
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a coalition of medical
American Cancer Society
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, committed to
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of colorectal
cancer. The Roundtable's ongoing mission is to reduce the incidence of and
Member Organizations:
mortality from this disease by achieving screening rates for colorectal cancer
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
that are equivalent to screening rates for other cancers (currently four out of
Alliance of Community
five people*).
Health Plans
American Academy of
Family Physicians
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the US, causing the
American College of
deaths of more than 50,000 Americans every year. Men and women over the
Gastroenterology
age of 50, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, are most at risk
American College of Physicians
for developing this disease.
American College of Radiology
American Digestive
Health Foundation
To advance its major objectives, the Roundtable has set the following goals:
American Gastroenterological
Association
Develop a national strategic plan for the early detection and control of
American Medical Association
colorectal cancer.
American Medical
Women's Association
Advocate for key policy issues that will help reduce colorectal cancer
American Society of Colon
rates.
and Rectal Surgeons
Identify research needs and potential barriers to reducing colorectal cancer
American Society for
rates, and recommend solutions.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and
Develop and sustain partnerships to enhance efforts in the prevention and
Territorial Directors of Health
early detection of colorectal cancer.
Promotion and Public Health
Education
Monitor progress in disease reduction efforts and participation in
Digestive Diseases
screening.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Produce periodic reports on the current state of colorectal cancer control,
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
and progress towards national objectives.
Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
For more information on the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, call Dr.
National Cancer Institute
Gabriel Feldman at the American Cancer Society, (404) 329-7504.
National Caucus and Center
on Black Aged, Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer
Foundation
###
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
* Breast and cervical cancers.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Member Organizations of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research
Alliance of Community Health Plans
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Cancer Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Digestive Health FoundationSM
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Women's Association
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer
Digestive Diseases National Coalition
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.
STOP Colorectal Cancer Foundation
University of Minnesota Cancer Center
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NATIONAL
c/o American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
Folorectal
Phone: 404-329-7631
Fax: 404-248-1780
Cancer
Email: [email protected]
ROUNDTABLE
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Private Industry Partnerships
Promoting Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Detection
Founding Organizations:
American Cancer Society
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a coalition of medical
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
professional, consumer advocacy and voluntary organizations, has developed
partnerships with private industry to raise awareness of the importance of
Member Organizations:
colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. These national companies,
Agency for Healthcare
Policy and Research
with their powerful reach, have committed to activities that will educate
Alliance of Community
hundreds of thousands of Americans over the age of 50 about the importance
Health Plans
of getting screened for colorectal cancer, the nation's second leading cancer
American Academy of
Family Physicians
killer.
American College of
Gastroenterology
American Airlines
American College of Physicians
American Airlines will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's public
American College of Radiology
service announcement on colon cancer in its in-flight magazine, American
American Digestive
Health Foundation
Way, reaching approximately two million air travelers in the US and around
American Gastroenterological
the world. In addition, American Airlines' in-house medical staff will provide
Association
free colorectal cancer screening cards to more than 200,000
American Medical Association
employees, spouses and retirees.
American Medical
Women's Association
American Society of Colon
American Greetings Corporation / National Association of Chain Drugstores
and Rectal Surgeons
American Greetings will create a prescription insert reflecting National
American Society for
Colorectal Cancer Roundtable messages about prevention and early detection.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
The National Association of Chain Drugstores will distribute the insert to its
Association of State and
Territorial Directors of Health
30,000 chain pharmacies and 90,000 chain pharmacists. Beginning in early
Promotion and Public Health
Education
1999, individuals having prescriptions filled at participating drugstores and
Digestive Diseases
pharmacies will receive the insert in their prescription bags.
National Coalition
Collaborative Group of the
Americas on Inherited Colorectal
Beckman Coulter, Inc. / SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc.
Cancer
Beckman Coulter/SKD will publish First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
public service announcement on colorectal cancer through the company
Cancer Center
intranet and in-house publication, Beckman Coulter Life, reaching more than
National Cancer Institute
National Caucus and Center
10,000 employees worldwide. SKD-trained representatives and an in-house
on Black Aged, Inc.
support staff of 50 will promote the message about screening for colorectal
STOP Colorectal Cancer
cancer by making themselves, and SKD's Basic Training TM Patient Education
Foundation
Program, available to National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable participants and
University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
partners.
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology / Better Health Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology has provided an initial $100,000 grant to the Better Health
Foundation to develop a colorectal cancer workplace awareness program that companies
nationwide can adopt at no cost. Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology will initiate the program at all
of its work sites.
Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly will conduct a new employee education campaign to increase awareness about the
prevention of colon cancer through regular screenings. The campaign will reach more than
31,000 Lilly employees worldwide and their families using the public service materials
developed by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, as well as educational materials
created by the company's employee health services department in cooperation with corporate
communications. Lilly will inform employees through a number of venues, including
publications and its in-house television network.
General Motors Corporation
General Motors will publish an article on the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and
early detection in its newsletter, Feelin' Good, which is distributed to 1.5 million employees,
retirees, and families. The article will encourage employees to access the audio-tapes General
Motors has in its Audio Health Library on colorectal cancer risk factors, early detection
guidelines, signs and symptoms, and treatment, and will encourage enrollees in the corporation's
wellness program to discuss any colorectal cancer questions or symptoms with registered nurses
available through a toll-free number. The article also will contain information on how readers
can access General Motors' web site information on the prevention and early detection of
colorectal cancer, and will encourage employees to read the information on the disease contained
in their wellness program self-care manuals.
Kellogg Company
Kellogg will promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection messages to a variety of
audiences, including: consumers via five million packages of Kellogg's All Bran and Bran Buds;
5,000 hospital health care sites; 5,000 health care professionals; 500 retailers; and to its
thousands of employees and retirees through its publication, The Kellogg News. In addition,
Kellogg Company will provide in-store consumer education messages in 12,000 stores, as well
as information on the Internet generating approximately five million "hits" per month.
Olympus America Inc.
Olympus America will sponsor and videotape a "Colorectal Cancer Education -What Everyone
Needs to Know" program which will be open to employees, family members and the general
public. Olympus will initiate a direct mailing to the administrators of retirement communities
across the country, offering copies of the videotaped program at no cost, and will show the
videotaped program at the five Olympus Service Center branches in Atlanta, Cleveland,
Chicago, Dallas, and Long Beach.
The program will be held at Olympus America headquarters in Melville, NY, or at a local
medical university, and will be repeated at Olympus' repair and distribution facility in San Jose,
CA. A panel of leading experts will speak about the problem of colorectal cancer, as well as
solutions, including preventive measures, nutrition, and screening. The program will be
promoted through a direct mail piece and internal Olympus Bulletin.
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
Zeneca will offer to all employees over the age of 40 a new educational session on nutrition and
its role in colorectal cancer, as well as a new session on the importance of screening women for
colorectal cancer. In addition, a new work-site guide for detection/screening for colorectal
cancer will be issued for customer use.
###