Stories of ICRF: Dr. Sidney Winawer

Dr. Sidney Winawer is internationally recognized for his contributions to the prevention and diagnosis of colorectal cancer and a charter board member of ICRF.

“I have been a strong proponent of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening beginning in the 1970s, a disease that is highly prevalent and highly curable when detected in an early stage. 

The concept of screening has changed dramatically since then, based on the National Polyp Study which I organized and led and  which demonstrated that CRC can be prevented by finding and removing polyps through colonoscopy. This led to guidelines committees, many of which I chaired, to recommend screening colonoscopy with the new goal of preventing cancer as well as detecting it at an early curable stage. In addition, I co-chaired the International Digestive Cancer Alliance which raised awareness and stimulated programs worldwide. There has also been a greater appreciation for the family history of cancer and the earlier age that CRC occurs leading to younger age screening recommendations. We also now have a clearer understanding of the relationship between CRC risk and lifestyle, and colonoscopy has become more refined with use of quality performance benchmarks and the application of artificial intelligence for improved polyp detection.

I was very much involved with ICRF Founder Dr. Daniel Miller in the formative years of ICRF from 1975. It was a difficult time to initiate fundraising. The mood was grim in Israel after the Yom Kippur War, and in the U.S. after Watergate and the Vietnam War. But Dan felt that it is always a good time to organize a global fight against cancer – with “little” Israel making a big contribution. I served as a sounding board for Dan as we walked the halls of Sloan Kettering. He also felt that I could reinforce his concept of scientific excellence at ICRF since I had a national reputation in cancer, was a Service Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering and my work had scientific credibility. I spoke at many fundraising events, even demonstrating the new colonoscope! Dan had a wonderful vision, laid a strong scientific groundwork which we all know has grown exponentially, thrived, and has become a major force in cancer research in Israel, the results of which have had a major worldwide impact. Dan would be extremely pleased!”