RMH will present a free seminar, “Colon Health 101,” from 6-8 p.m. March 18 in the hospital’s lower level conference rooms.

RMH medical experts will address colon health and colon cancer prevention, particularly the importance of a colonoscopy screening. The seminar will be hosted by RMH Hahn Cancer Center radiation oncologist Dr. Heather Morgan.

Dr. Harold Reilly, gastroenterologist with Harrisonburg Medical Associates, will speak about the importance of screenings and detecting colorectal cancers early.

Nurses from the RMH Endoscopy team will explain the colonoscopy screening process, including procedure preparation and what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colon and rectal cancers rank fourth in both cancer incidence and cancer deaths in the United States (for 2009, the latest year for which data are available). According to the CDC, when colorectal cancer is discovered early and treated, the 5-year survival rate is 90 percent. However, only 40 percent of colorectal cancers are found early because of low screening rates in the United States, the CDC notes.

To register for the Colon Health 101 seminar, call RMH Healthsource at 540-564-7200.