In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, South Peninsula Hospital is offering reduced rate screening colonoscopies and a special free lunch presentation.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in America, but more importantly, colon cancer can often be cured – and even prevented. Colonoscopy is the preferred screening method for colon cancer, as it allows physicians to look directly at the entire colon and to identify suspicious growths, which often can be removed before they turn into cancer. For normal-risk individuals, this short, simple procedure is recommended every 10 years beginning at age 50.

Alaska has some of the highest incidence rates of colon cancer in the nation, yet just over 50 percent of Alaskans older than 50 report being up to date with colon cancer screenings. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 42 percent of residents in the South Peninsula Hospital service area are over 50 years old.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, South Peninsula Hospital is inviting the community to a special luncheon presentation by Dr. Greg Hough, board-certified general surgeon, at noon Wednesday, March 20, at Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

At the free presentation, Dr. Hough will show short videos about a healthy colon and what a colonoscopy might find. He will provide information on incidence rates, the benefits of screening, and what to expect before, during and after a colonoscopy. He will have instruments on hand to help you better understand the procedure.

For more information on these offerings, visit the hospital website at www.sphosp.org or call 235-0310.