Katie Couric has been a vocal advocate for colon cancer awareness since her husband Jay Monahan’s diagnosis in 1997. At the age of 41, Monahan was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which led to his untimely death nine months later.
Since then, Couric has dedicated herself to spreading awareness about the disease and its early signs. She emphasizes that detecting colon cancer early is key to treatment and highlights several common symptoms, including fatigue, unintentional weight loss, changes in bowel habits, and blood in stool.
Couric notes that the recommended age for a colonoscopy was lowered from 50 to 45 in 2021 due to an increase in colon cancer diagnoses among younger people. Despite this change, only about 20% of people between 45 and 49 have been screened. Couric urges individuals with risk factors or symptoms to get screened immediately.
In addition to colonoscopies, at-home stool tests can be a viable option for those with average risk. However, Couric advises patients to consult their doctors and advocate for themselves during screenings.
Major scientific breakthroughs in diagnostic blood tests and AI-driven innovations hold promise for preventing colon cancer and improving treatment outcomes. The FDA has approved a first-of-its-kind blood test, which detects warning signs in the blood. AI is being used to analyze datasets and develop the “gut atlas,” a comprehensive map of human digestive cells.
Couric’s message emphasizes the importance of talking to doctors about symptoms and desires for screening. If an individual’s concerns are dismissed by their doctor, it’s essential to seek a second opinion from a gastroenterologist.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/katie-couric-shares-early-colon-cancer-signs-2025-3