NBC Today Show Co-Anchor Katie Couric and Dr. Sidney Winawer to Be Honored at Colorectal Cancer Network Event
5/8/2003
From: Kate Jennings or Mary Johnson, 617-267-8223, for the Colorectal Cancer Network
KENSINGTON, Md., May 8 -- The Colorectal Cancer Network (CCNetwork), a patient support and advocacy organization, today announced it will honor NBC TODAY show co-anchor Katie Couric and Dr. Sidney Winawer of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, for their dedication to raising awareness of colorectal cancer and prevention of the disease. Couric and Dr. Winawer will be crowned the 2003 Queen and King of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and recognized at the organization's Colon Cancer Masquerade Ball, to be held on May 9, 2003, in New York City at the Regent Wall Street Hotel.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to both Ms. Couric and Dr. Winawer for their outstanding efforts in helping to prevent and fight against colon and rectal cancers," said Priscilla Savary, Executive Director, CCNetwork. "The successes and great progress they have made bring us all much closer to the day when not one more person will die from colon, rectal, anal or appendiceal cancers. Their work towards understanding, preventing and treating colorectal cancers is of immeasurable value. We applaud their efforts and thank them for their support in this important cause."
Colon cancer is a subject close to Katie Couric's heart. She lost her husband, Jay Monahan, to the disease in 1998. Since then, she has devoted a significant amount of time, resources and effort to raising funds for research and educating the public about colon cancer prevention. Her efforts have resulted in the development of the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), a non-profit organization that funds research and educational initiatives, and a 20 percent increase in colonoscopy screening rates. This feat, deemed the "Couric Effort," underscores the power of Couric's influence in raising awareness of colorectal cancer.
"The battle against colon cancer is very personal for me and it is an honor to be recognized as a leader in the fight," said Ms. Couric. "I truly believe we can all make a difference, and save lives. The message is simple -- get screened, this cancer is preventable."
Dr. Sidney Winawer is a prominent leader in the research of colorectal cancer prevention and control and a renowned gastroenterologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Through his more than 180 published research studies, Dr. Winawer has helped develop national screening guidelines and further the understanding of the progression of colorectal cancer including identifying the connection between polyps and colorectal cancer. Throughout his career Dr. Winawer has received several honors and awards for his clinical and research interests in colon cancer prevention including the prestigious Schindler Award from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, an American Cancer Society Award Lectureship and the Constantine Medal from the Italian Government. Dr. Winawer has also organized the new International Digestive Cancer Alliance.
"I am honored to be recognized for such an important cause. From a physician's perspective, this event and the activities of organizations such as the CCNetwork are key as we strive to educate patients about colorectal cancer and prevention," said Dr. Winawer. "Through further awareness efforts and application of available screening methods, we will be able to decrease -- and hopefully one day eliminate -- deaths from colorectal cancer."
Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among non-smoking men and women in the U.S. and the second cause of cancer deaths overall.
Approximately 139,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 57,000 deaths annually. Early diagnosis, however, results in a greater than 90 percent five-year survival rate; unfortunately, more than two-thirds of colorectal cancer cases are caught at a later stage, by which time the potential for effective treatment is greatly reduced.
Colon Cancer Masquerade Ball The first annual "Colon Cancer Masquerade Ball," will be held on May 9, 2003 in New York City at the Regent Wall Street Hotel. Proceeds from the gala will help support the CCNetwork's "Ninety in Nine" campaign -- established in 2001 -- with the main goal of having 90 percent of people at risk for colorectal cancer screened within nine years, by 2010. In addition, the campaign hopes to achieve a 75 percent reduction in incidences of colorectal cancer and a 75 percent reduction in deaths. The Masquerade Ball will feature unique entertainment and a silent auction with autographed celebrity memorabilia and exclusive gifts. The event's presenting sponsor is EXACT Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAS), an applied genomics company that has developed PreGen-Plus(tm), a non-invasive screening technology for colorectal cancer that will be available in 2003.
