Central Louisiana residents have a higher death rate for lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer than the state or national average.

Reducing these rates is why the public is invited to attend Rapides Cancer Center’s Oncology Update to be held Friday, Sept. 29 at 11:30 a.m. in the Cascade Room of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

This free event includes lunch.

Oncologists from Rapides Cancer Center and a registered dietitian from Rapides Regional Medical Center will discuss cancer prevention.

Many cancers are preventable by reducing risk factors such as use of tobacco products, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, obesity and ultraviolet light exposure. Other cancers can be prevented through vaccinations, while screenings are another effective method in identifying some types of cancer.

For more information on Rapides Cancer Center’s Oncology Update, call 769-4027.