On February 29, 2000, President Bill Clinton declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, noting colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Furthermore, he stated that our most effective weapon in defeating colorectal cancer is early detection and treatment and encouraged health care providers, advocacy groups, policymakers, and concerned citizens across the country to help raise public awareness of the risks and methods of prevention of colorectal cancer and to use the power of our knowledge to defeat this silent disease.

At The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center we not only strive to provide our patients with the best care possible, but in accordance with our mission seek to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the public. It is in the spirit of our mission that S.C.O.P.E (Sprint for Colorectal Oncology Prevention and Education) was founded in the fall of 2005. 

Since that time, SCOPE has raised over $300,000, which has contributed to several collaborative community education initiatives. This includes development and distribution of health information brochures about colorectal cancer screening in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese and partnership with Community Health Workers to promote colorectal cancer education toolkits containing key messages about colorectal cancer screening, promotional items and pledge cards. In addition, donated funds help SCOPE to host its annual 5K Fun Run/Walk which not only promotes colorectal cancer awareness, but honors colorectal cancer survivors.