Katie Couric, 68, Stars in Cheeky New Colonoscopy PSA: ‘Mine Are Televised’

Katie Couric is most famous for her time on the Today show, which she co-hosted from 1991 to 2006. But her segment on colonoscopies comes in a close second. In the groundbreaking segment, which made headlines several times over, she allowed a camera crew film the procedure and then aired it on TV for the world to see. Now, 25 years later, Couric, whose first husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer at age 42 in 1998, is once again raising awareness for the medical procedure with a new partnership. We have everything you need to know, below. 

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What to know about Katie Couric’s push for colon cancer screenings

Over the past several years the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Maximum Effort have released a series of videos featuring celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac, Dak Prescott and Terry Crews urging people to get a colonoscopy. It’s entitled the Lead From Behind campaign and starting today Couric will become their newest ambassador. 

“The mission of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is very near to my heart. And my *ss,” Reynolds, Maximum Effort Cofounder, said in a statement. “When Rob Mac and I broadcast our colonoscopies to help launch Lead From Behind, we were following in the brave footsteps Katie took 25 years ago. So to have her work with Maximum Effort on the latest initiative is a real full-starfish moment for me.”

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In her campaign video, which appears to be a spoof of actress Sydney Sweeney’s contrary American Eagle ad, Couric, 68, is seen lying in a hospital bed and wearing a jean jacket, as though getting ready for a colonoscopy. 

“Speaking of genes, did you know that the majority of people who develop colon cancer are not genetically predisposed to the disease?” Couric said in the video. “That’s why doctors recommend everyone 45 and older get checked. Mine are televised.” 

The ad then goes on to say that everyone 45 or older should get regular colon cancer screenings, before joking about how once again Couric brought in a camera crew to hers. 

You can watch the entire video below!

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Colon cancer in women over 50

“Colorectal cancer is the 2nd deadliest cancer among men and women and affects all races, genders and ethnicities,” according a press release sent to Woman’s World about Couric’s campaign. “One in 24 Americans will get colon cancer in their lifetime, and by 2030 it is predicted to be the deadliest cancer for people under 50.” 

The good news: Colon cancer is one highly treatable—and preventable—but early detection is key. That’s why doctors recommend undergoing screening colonoscopies regularly and keeping an eye out for common symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bloating, back pain, fatigue, nausea, anemia, jaundice and blood in your stool. 

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If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your primary care physician to determine the best course of action. In most cases, treatment for colon cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy. Other times,  immunotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy are recommended.

For more on colon cancer visit getscreened.org.