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A local church is teaming up with area health care professionals to raise awareness about the nearly 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer that will be diagnosed in 2008.

First United Methodist Church's parish nurse ministry — along with local oncologist Dr. Samira Khera — will present a seminar on Tuesday, March 25, on colon and rectal cancer. Excluding skin cancer, it is the third most common type of cancer in both males and females, according to the American Cancer Society.

March is national colorectal cancer awareness month. One in 19 people will develop a colorectal cancer in their lifetime, according to the ACS.

In February, the First United Methodist Church and Khera sponsored a similar workshop on breast cancer, said church secretary Trish Reynolds. The parish's nurse ministry offers several support groups for various situations.

The church's nurse, Mitzi Marley, organizes "lots of health-related ministries," said Reynolds.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the ACS, but screenings can help detect the cancer early and improve the odds of survival.

Today, there are more than 1 million colorectal cancer survivors, according to the ACS.

Free fecal-occult testing kits, provided by Kroger Pharmacy, will be available at the workshop, which will feature a presentation and a question-and-answer session, said Reynolds.

Ninety percent of colorectal cancer cases are found in adults over 50 years old and are slightly more common in men than women, according to ACS.