Katie Couric Stands Up to Cancer

Katie's Health Advice

DB: How do you take care of your own health with your hectic schedule?

KC: I started doing yoga fairly recently, and it's been a great de-stressor for me. Other than that, I try to exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. My husband, Jay, said something shortly before he died that I always keep top of mind: "Nothing really matters except your family and friends." Finding a healthy balance in life is certainly a challenge for everyone, but I feel best when I spend time with the people I care about.

DB: What advice do you have for readers about reducing their cancer risk?

KC: I'm big on being proactive to safeguard your health. Some cancers, like colorectal, can often be prevented, so regular screening is essential. The single most important thing is to be your own advocate. Don't wait for your doctor to bring up screening tests during your appointment -- you need to be aggressive and ask your physician for them, and then make sure to follow through. And, of course, there are things everyone can do on a daily basis. Eating right, exercising, and not smoking -- either never starting or quitting -- are all crucial for preventive care.

DB: What do you hope people will take away from the Stand Up To Cancer initiative?

KC: Two things: that there is hope, and that they can make a difference. Now more than ever, there is sufficient knowledge of the basic science of cancer, and the technologies are finally available to translate this knowledge into real advances in treatment and prevention. Researchers are on the verge of lifesaving discoveries, but they desperately need the funds required to mount an all-out assault. In one way or another, this disease affects us all, and every person can play a role in helping the research continue to advance. We want everyone who visits our Web site and watches the show on September 5 to feel connected and empowered.