Since the launch of EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance in March 2000, the program has made a tremendous impact in advancing colorectal cancer research and increasing public awareness of our nation's second leading cause of cancer-related deaths:

	Nearly 20 percent more colonoscopies were performed after NCCRA cofounder Katie Couric's live-on-the-air procedure appeared on NBC's "TODAY" three years ago to promote colorectal cancer screening. Dubbing it the "Couric Effect," University of Michigan researchers called the impact profound. :: See press release :: Download University of Michigan PDF
	NCCRA researches have developed what may someday become the standard first-line test for colon cancer: a DNA-based stool test which can detect not only cancer, but also the genetic mutations which will likely lead to colon cancer in future years. The test is highly reliable and should become fairly inexpensive as it becomes widespread.
	NCCRA researchers have identified a gene that may be directly related to the development of colon cancer. The gene will be the target of additional research for potential treatments, or cures, for colon cancer. :: See press release
	NCCRA provided major funding to launch The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Medical College of Cornell University - the first comprehensive program stressing education and prevention in addition to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal cancers. The Center is named in honor of Jay Monahan, the late husband of NCCRA cofounder Katie Couric.
	NCCRA has launched a Clinical Trials Resource Center , sponsored by Pharmacia Oncology, to encourage more people to participate in clinical research. Information gathered from family health histories provides important clues about colorectal cancer. Currently, it may take eight months or longer to fill clinical research trials. However by reaching large numbers of people, NCCRA works to reduce the lengthy enrollment periods. Our goal is to help trials reach their conclusions more quickly and move science forward.