02:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 15, 2006

KING5.com

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. As part of KING 5’s Cancer Free Washington Campaign, Jean Enersen presents a Healthlink Special, Colon Cancer: The Bottom Line.

Colorectal cancer is 90 percent curable with appropriate treatment, but many people do not receive the colonoscopies they need.

Colon Cancer: The Bottom Line provides vital information about colon cancer and profiles survivors and family members of victims.

Jean Enersen interviews Katie Couric of "The Today Show," whose late husband, Jay Monahan, lost his battle with colon cancer in 1998. Katie channeled her grief into advocacy and the creation of The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health. Her televised colonoscopy has been linked to a 20 percent nationwide jump in colon cancer testing.

Former Seattle Seahawks president Bob Whitsitt and television personality Sharon Osbourne (wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne) will share their personal experiences with the disease.

Colon Cancer: The Bottom Line also includes interviews with local colorectal cancer experts and testimonies of local survivors. Colon cancer survivor Molly McMasters shares her creations, including “The Colossal Colon” exhibit and her 2005 Colondar.