Ten years ago, no one really talked about colorectal cancer. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that March was established as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Over the past decade, however, mortality has decreased due to increased public awareness.

In observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Sandhills Regional Medical Center will host a lunch and learn on the disease, to be presented by Dr. Jean Lemaire of Sandhills Gastroenterology in Rockingham.

The free lunch and learn will begin at noon on March 11, in the hospital’s education classroom. Lunch will be provided.

Lemaire will discuss up-to-date information on colon cancer, how to reduce your risk, and screening. A question-and-answer period will follow his presentation.

“This is a great opportunity for members of the community who have concerns about colon cancer for themselves or for loved ones to get all of their questions answered by our specialist - with lunch on us,” said Kimberly Harrington, SHRMC marketing/public relations director.

Space is limited to 25 people for the lunch and learn. To register or for more information, call (910) 205-8121.

Sandhills Regional Medical Center is owned by Health Management Associates of Naples, Fla. The company owns 57 hospitals throughout the United States, including three in North Carolina. Formerly Hamlet Hospital, Sandhills Regional Medical Center has provided Richmond County with uninterrupted health care since 1915.