Taking a break from the small screen, Greg Kinnear represents Stand Up to Cancer in a public service announcement for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The non-profit organization teamed up with Eli Lilly and Company for the PSA, which airs in March. standup2cancer.org/colorectalcancer
The Little Miss Sunshine actor takes a powerful stand against the second leading cancer killer of men and women combined (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the PSA titled “You Are Your Most Powerful Advocate.”
It’s aimed to raise awareness about “patient empowerment and knowledge of personalized colorectal cancer treatments matched to the genetic and molecular makeup of the patient’s tumor,” per a press release.
“We’re honored to have Greg Kinnear join Stand Up To Cancer and our collaborator Lilly Oncology in bringing attention to this critical initiative,” said Lisa Paulsen, co-founder of SU2C.
“With the progress being made in cancer research and the capability to personalize your treatment, patients have to be armed with the right information to make smart decisions regarding their treatment choices.”
According to stats from the CDC, in 2016, about 135,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and it will claim the lives of almost 50,000. SU2C believes that these numbers can drop with awareness.
Genetic and molecular makeups of an individual’s cancer may be able to assist doctors with the proper treatment plan. SU2C is urging those with cancer to educate themselves and be self advocates.
“Research shows that knowing the genetic and molecular makeup of your colorectal tumor may lead to safer, more effective treatment, just for you,” Kinnear says in the clip.
This particular cancer impacted former television host Katie Couric, who is the co-founder of SU2C. Her late husband Jay passed away in 1998 from colorectal cancer after being diagnosed 18 years ago.
“The first-line treatment was the same drug that had been used since the 1950s, which was so frustrating,” said Couric. “There are better options now, so making people aware of research-driven progress is incredibly important to me.”
As research and treatment options improve, SU2C and Lilly shine light on the importance of patient advocacy for their own health. This is the primary message Kinnear hopes to spread in his new role.
“I’m proud to help Stand Up To Cancer and their supporter Lilly Oncology raise awareness for colorectal cancer,” said Kinnear. “Through this PSA campaign, we want people to realize they are their most powerful advocates. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it is important to ask questions, be informed and to know the makeup of your tumor to help you and your doctor decide on the best possible treatment.”
To learn more, visit SU2C’s website and join the conversation on social media on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag, #testyourtumor.