Katie Couric is encouraging fans to go for their cancer screenings, following news a new drug that will slow down cancer growth is being fast-tracked.
The 68-year-old made the passionate plea during an appearance on The Today Show. Katie used her family’s own experience with cancer to encourage others to get tested early.
Katie’s husband Jay Monahan sadly died at just 42 years old in 1998 after being diagnosed with colon cancer and now her daughters are getting screened early. Katie’s comments come after experts revealed a lifestyle change that can improve cancer survival rates.
In the clip, Katie said, “30% of all adults who should be getting screened are not screened.
“And the American Cancer Society lowered the screening age to 45 a few years ago, but only 20% of people between the ages of 45 and 49 are getting screened.”
Katie spoke about her family as she said, “And if you have a family history like my daughters, Ellie and Carrie, Jay was diagnosed at 41 so they need to both get screened.
“Ellie’s already gotten screened at 31 and when Carrie gets to be 31, she’ll get screened as well.”
However, she warned a family history isn’t always the only indicator of cancer. “Most cases involve no family history,” Katie shared.
She continued, “I think sometimes people are unnecessarily comforted, you know, they say, ‘Oh it’s not in my family.’ But no family history is no guarantee.”
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A clip was shared on Instagram with the caption, “Katie Couric marks 25 years since she underwent a colonoscopy on TV. She’s been urging people to get screened since her husband died of colon cancer. #TODAYShow.”
Fan’s praised Katie for her comments, with one person writing, “I have UC and I can’t tell you how important Colonoscopies are. My dad died of Colon Cancer. I miss him every day. Colon cancer is so preventable.”
Another encouraged, “22 years ago diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer at the age of 44! My sister had been diagnosed two months before with Stage 1 Colon Cancer at the age of 48. We are both still dancing at the age of 66 and 70. Get a colonoscopy.”
“It’s in my family . Mom, sister. Get the colonoscopy. Don’t put it off!!” someone else echoed. A fourth viewer urged, “Keep spreading the word. husband diagnosed at 46 stage 3B. Now 48 and in remission.”
One fan added, “I’ve been getting screened since I was 20! I had both my father and cousin get diagnosed and pass when they were both young. My father was 47 and my cousin was only 26. Thank you for spreading this message. Early detection is so important.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
