Learn about colon cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment at a free community talk on Monday, April 13, 2026
Brooksville, FL — HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital invites the community to “Colon cancer: prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” an interactive educational session to learn about colon cancer screening, early detection and care options.
The session, presented by board-certified general surgeons David Abergel, DO, and Matthew Mancao, MD, will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 2:30 - 3:30pm The physicians will answer questions from the audience following the presentation.
Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, according to the CDC. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined. It’s expected to cause about 55,230 deaths during 2026, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Dr. Abergel and Dr. Mancao hope to bring awareness about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Early-stage colon cancer may have subtle or no symptoms, which makes it particularly important for people to undergo screenings as recommended by their physicians.
For people at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings beginning at age 45. These tests include a stool-based test, visual exams like colonoscopy, CT colonography and sigmoidoscopy, and some highly specialized blood tests.
People at higher risk of colon cancers include those with a strong family history, someone with polyps, a history of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease, inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are recommended to be screened more often.
“Regardless of your risk, always talk to your health care provider about which tests are right for you and work with your provider to schedule them at the right time based on your personal and family history,” said Dr. Abergel. “Regular screenings are important to detect colon and rectal cancers in early stages, when they are easiest to treat.”
Dr. Mancao added, “Screening protocols are tailored to each person, so depending on whether you are at low risk versus if you have a family or personal history with the disease or other risk factors will determine what tests and how frequently you should undergo a screening.”
The community talk will take place from 2:30 - 3:30pm. Monday, April 13, 2026 on the campus of HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital - GME conference room, 11307 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville.
RSVP by calling 844-630-5295, or visit the HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital's website and click on the “Classes and Events” tab to register online.
For online media, visit the direct registration link.