Veteran journalist Katie Couric made a special appearance on the ‘Today’ show on Thursday, September 25, commemorating a significant milestone: 25 years since she courageously became the first person to have a colonoscopy broadcast live on national television. This historic event was part of a broader initiative to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer.
Couric’s Impactful Return to ‘Today’
During her appearance on the morning show, Couric rejoined her former colleagues to continue her vital mission of raising awareness for colon cancer. Having co-hosted ‘Today’ from 1991 to 2006, her return was met with warmth and recognition. Couric initially gained prominence for this cause in 2000 when she underwent and broadcast a colonoscopy, aiming to demystify the procedure and encourage people to be vigilant about potential cancer signs. This personal mission was deeply influenced by the loss of her husband, John Monahan, to colorectal cancer in 1998 at the age of 42.
A Powerful Public Service Announcement
Couric expressed her pride in the ongoing impact of her initiative, stating, “It’s crazy, it has been 25 years, it’s something I am really proud of.” She emphasized the life-saving importance of early detection and introduced a new public service announcement. This PSA, a collaboration with Ryan Reynolds’ production company, humorously parodies a controversial ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, with Couric appearing in a similar pose before revealing she’s on a procedure table. The PSA, titled ‘Lead From Behind,’ also highlights that most colon cancer cases are not genetically predisposed, reinforcing the recommendation for regular screenings for individuals aged 45 and older.