Dr. Mark Pochapin and Donna Mills

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month presented NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital with a unique opportunity to generate greater awareness of colorectal cancer, as well as promote discussion of screening and early detection. 

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital collaborated with the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, the Hereditary Colon Cancer Association, TV personality Donna Mills, Bloomingdale’s and Pharmacia Corporation during the month of March, to educate the public about hereditary and personal risk factors associated with colorectal cancer and emphasize the increased need for more aggressive preventive measures, especially among families in which someone has had the disease. 

As part of the campaign, you may have seen some of our very own medical staff gracing the screens of televisions across America. Dr. Mark Pochapin teamed up with “Today Show’s” Katie Couric to dispel misperceptions about screening and answer viewer emails about colon cancer prevention. Knots Landing actress Donna Mills and Dr. Pochapin also participated in 19 interviews nationwide and three national radio interviews, while Dr. Charles Lightdale partook in several radio interviews. Also, you may have recently heard Dr. Carl McDougall over the airwaves of WCBS-AM in New York speaking about his participation in NCI-supported prevention research. [Stay tuned for Dr. Pochapin and his trial patient who have taped a segment with WNBC.]

Alongside national media recognition, the Cornell and Columbia campuses featured local events to spread the word about colorectal cancer prevention. Nurses Maggie Smith, Barbara Heckman, and Melinda Lugay generously gave their time and expertise to further this cause by overseeing educational display tables at both campuses to disseminate information and answer important questions about colon cancer awareness, including the importance of screening and early detection. In addition, Drs. Mark Pochapin and Felice Schnoll-Sussman appeared with Donna Mills at Bloomingdale’s to discuss colorectal cancer screening, answer questions, and provide educational materials for the public.

Editor’s note:
Barbara Heckman, RN, is Senior Staff Nurse in Gastroenterology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Charles J. Lightdale, MD, is Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Melinda Lugay, RN, BSN, CGRN, is Nurse Manager of Endoscopy at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, and President of the New York/New Jersey Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. 

Carl McDougall, MD, is Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Associate Attending Physician at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. 

Mark Pochapin, MD, is Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. 

Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Medical College of Cornell University. 

Maggie Smith, RN, BSN, is Senior Staff Nurse in Radiation Oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.