BATON ROUGE, La. – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has received a $15,000 grant from Sisters Network® Inc. Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP) to expand access to mammogram services for uninsured women across our region. This funding will be used to support Mary Bird Perkins’ Prevention on the Go (POGO) program and will extend services to women across 31 parishes in Louisiana and four counties in Southwest Mississippi.
Sisters Network® Inc., a leading national African American breast cancer survivorship organization, is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.
“As we join forces with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we are embarking on a transformative partnership that will amplify our efforts in early detection and intervention for breast cancer patients,” said Caleen Allen, vice president, Sisters Network Inc. “Together, we are committed to ensuring that every woman has access to the care and support she needs to fight this disease. This collaboration signifies a new horizon in our mission to save lives and empower communities through comprehensive screening and education services.”
Mary Bird Perkins’ nationally-recognized Prevention on the Go (POGO) program is designed to provide education and early detection services in locations where people live, work, worship, shop and play – all at no cost to residents. With a fleet of mobile medical clinics, the Cancer Center travels throughout Louisiana and Southwest Mississippi to serve thousands of participants each year.
Since its launch in 2002, POGO has provided more than 113,000 screenings resulting in nearly 860 cancers detected. Last year alone, Mary Bird Perkins provided 6,198 preventive screenings to residents across the region.
“Through the support of organizations like Sisters Network® Inc., the Cancer Center’s Prevention on the Go team is able to reach more women who may otherwise not be able to receive critical early detection resources and screening services,” said Renea Duffin, vice president, cancer support and outreach, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “We are beyond thankful to receive this funding once again and know the immediate impact it will have in communities that face barriers to care.”
Women are advised to get a clinical breast exam at least every three years, starting in their 20s, and get an annual exam and mammogram starting at age 40. For more information on breast cancer screening guidelines, click here.
To see a list of upcoming cancer screening events, or to make an appointment, visit marybird.org/get-screened.
About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s largest cancer care organization and has been leading the fight against cancer for more than 50 years. Founded in Baton Rouge in 1971 by a group of community leaders, the Cancer Center now serves every region of Louisiana and communities across southwest Mississippi. With the most expansive team of highly-trained oncologists leveraging innovative therapies and technologies, Mary Bird Perkins is offering the most personalized treatment options available in the Gulf South. The Cancer Center’s emphasis on community-based care allows patients to access these resources close to home. From early detection through our innovative Prevention on the Go screening and education program, to diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer, Mary Bird Perkins offers a wide array of individualized support services to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. For more information, visit marybird.org.