In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Lawrence Memorial Hospital is hosting a free educational program.

“Straight Talk About Colorectal Cancer” will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine.

Dr. William Freund and Dr. Eston Schwartz will present information about the latest advancements in treatment. They also will discuss the following: definition and incidence of colorectal cancer, prevention facts, effective screening mechanisms, risk factors, surgical interventions, chemotherapy treatment options, emerging chemotherapy treatments in clinical trials.

A colorectal survivor also will share his personal story. Informational displays will be available.

Colon cancer can strike at any age, but nine out of 10 new cases are in people age 50 or older, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. In Kansas, nearly 1,400 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2005, and more than 500 people died from the disease in 2007.

This program is free, but advance registration is requested. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to enroll, please contact LMH ConnectCare at 749-5800 or visit LMH’s Web site.