Ventura, CA - Learn more about prevention as well as the early detection and treatment of colon cancer at a symposium Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Ventura Beach Marriott in Ventura.

This free public education program will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Co-sponsors include the American Cancer Society, the Wellness Community and KVTA 1520 News/Talk Radio.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States in men and women, according to the American Cancer Society, with nearly 150,000 new cases each year. The ACS also says close to 50,000 people die each year from the disease.

Local experts will speak on the following topics:

 Nutrition, physical activity and cancer – Shirley Cox, registered dietician;
 Screening for colon cancer – Benito Pedraza, M.D.;
 Virtual colonoscopy – Irwin Grossman, M.D.;
 Risk factors and genetics – Chirag Dalsania, M.D.;
 Robotic surgical intervention of colon cancer – Constanze Rayhrer, M.D.;
 New advances in systemic therapy of colon cancer – Kevin Chang, M.D.;
 Radiation therapy for colon cancer – Thomas Fogel, M.D.;
 Survivorship care – Lynn Kong, M.D., and Rev. Curtis Hotchkiss.

Space is limited, so call 652-5385 for reservations, or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.