Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Elizabeth Hospital Offer Free Prostate Screening

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

  (Gonzales) – Prostate cancer awareness is important during any month but especially during September, the month designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. During September, free prostate cancer screenings are offered to the public in hopes of reaching as many men as possible. “Louisiana’s cancer incidence rate is in line with the national average, but our mortality rate is higher,” said Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Vice President, Cancer Support and Outreach, Renea Duffin. “That disparity is due in part to the need for more early detection interventions. Cancers are being diagnosed too late. Screenings offer the potential to diagnose cancer at its earliest stage when better outcomes are possible and more treatment options are available.” Prostate screenings are for men age 50 and older who do not have a doctor or have not been screened in the past 12 months. Those at higher risk such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should consider being screened beginning at age 45. The prostate cancer screening is performed by a doctor and includes a PSA blood test and physical exam. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing prostate screening with a doctor to determine if it is right for you. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital are partnering to offer the following free prostate cancer screening:

• Thursday, September 13 Elizabeth Community Clinic 1024 SE Ascension Complex Gonzales, LA 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Appointment not required

For additional information about this and other upcoming cancer screenings or to make an appointment, please call (225) 215-1234 or (888) 616-4687.     About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 40 years. With centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. About St. Elizabeth Hospital Sponsorship by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) has provided the means to expand and upgrade St. Elizabeth Hospital to meet the needs of the growing area it serves.  A 78-bed community hospital with 500+ team members and 100 physicians on staff, St. Elizabeth is one of four FMOLHS hospitals, including Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe and Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette.