Since 2010, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has provided more than 1,000 cancer screenings to Ascension Parish residents. However, with 9 cancers diagnosed in that time frame and an expected 38% of men and women expected to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes, the Cancer Center’s Prevention on the Go programs know there is still work to be done in the parish.
This year alone:The good news is that early detection improves outcomes of cancer.
That’s why the Cancer Center and Gonzales Area Foundation are partnering again to offer free, convenient health screenings – including screenings for 5 types of cancer – in addition to food and entertainment at Live Well Ascension.
The event will be Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales.
“Unfortunately, taking care of our health is sometimes an afterthought, especially when it conflicts with family time,” said Johnnay Benjamin, director of early detection and education at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Fun events like Live Well Ascension let families spend time together while getting screened and learning important info about detecting and preventing cancer.”
Participants can be screened for breast, colorectal, oral, prostate and skin cancer, and receive BMI screenings and blood pressure and glucose checks at no cost, thanks to the Gonzales Area Foundation. In addition to the health aspects of the event, Live Well Ascension will consist of activities for the whole family at no cost, including children’s activities, door prizes and giveaways – even a FitBit from the Foundation.
All screenings are available to those who have not been screened for cancer in the past 12 months. Appointments are required for breast cancer screenings only. To make an appointment for a breast cancer screening at the event, please call 225-215-1234. All other screenings are open to the public and do not require an appointment. For additional information, please visit marybird.org/livewell.