Make That Call campaign to promote colorectal cancer screening

Katie Couric, NewYork-Presbyterian and its Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA), and ABC today announced the "Make That Call" campaign to promote colon cancer screening for National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. During the month of March, the campaign will urge New Yorkers age 50 and older, as well as those at increased risk for the disease, to call their doctors to make an appointment to be screened for colon cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, colonoscopy is the preferred colon cancer screening test in New York City.

"Make That Call" will include public service announcements featuring Ms. Couric that will air on ABC stations across the country. In addition, interactive educational posters and fact sheets will be displayed around New York City and will feature barcodes that allow smartphone users to connect to the MakeThatCall.org website for more information.

Collaborating on this annual citywide initiative to increase colon cancer screening are the New York Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition (C5), American Cancer Society, American College of Gastroenterology and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Participating businesses and organizations include the New York Public Library; Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Library which together include more than 200 library branches spanning every borough; Duane Reade; Juva Skin & Laser Center; New York Health & Racquet Club; and Talbots.

"With appropriate screening, colon cancer is often preventable and, when detected early, highly curable. There is a lot of buzz about a study showing what I've said for years: colonoscopies save lives. We want New Yorkers to 'Make That Call' to their doctors to schedule their screening appointment, if not for themselves, then for the people they love," says Katie Couric.

"We want to recognize our friend and founder of the Monahan Center, Katie Couric, for her extraordinary efforts to educate the public on the importance of colon cancer screening," says Dr. Steven J. Corwin, CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. "We are delighted to work with her, ABC, and our other sponsors to make this year's campaign an overwhelming success."

Reasons to Make That Call to Your Doctor
* Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
* With appropriate screening, colorectal cancer is often preventable and when detected early, highly curable.
* Colon polyps and early cancers often cause no symptoms; this is why it is so important to get tested.

"We are very appreciative of all the support from our campaign collaborators and participating businesses and organizations for helping us to get the 'Make That Call' message out to New Yorkers," says Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman, acting director of The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health.