Cancer Center Offers Free Skin Screenings

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

  Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It is estimated that more than three million Americans will be diagnosed this year, more than all other cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society. Experts at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC encourage awareness of any unusual or suspicious skin spots throughout the year, but especially during May, which is recognized as National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. And because catching the disease early is important, the Cancer Center is offering several free cancer screenings in our area. “The good news is, skin cancer is actually one of the most preventable forms of cancer,” said Melanie Guilbeaux, cancer program director, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC. “Many cases could be prevented by protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure, which not only reduces the risk of skin cancer but also staves off painful sunburns and premature wrinkles.” Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO of TGMC, urges community members to take advantage of this free opportunity to create a healthier community. “Skin cancer is very treatable if detected early. Take care of the skin you’re in, and get screened.” Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC is offering free screenings for breast, colorectal, oral and skin cancers during May. Appointments are necessary for all breast cancer screenings. Please call 888-616-4687 for scheduling. Wednesday, May 6 Breast & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 9 – 11 a.m. & noon – 2 p.m. Stage 6435 Hwy. 182 Morgan City Monday, May 11 Breast & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 9 – 11 a.m. & noon – 2 p.m. Sam’s Club 2174 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houma Wednesday, May 13 Skin & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Walgreens 1435 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma Saturday, May 23 Skin, Colorectal & Oral Cancer Screenings 9 a.m. – noon Cannata’s Market 6010 Hwy. 182 E Morgan City Saturday, May 30 Skin & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Walgreens 1415 St. Charles St. Houma For prevention tips, signs and symptoms, visit mbpTGMC.org/skin.   Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC provides the full spectrum of cancer care, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship for those in the Bayou Region. Its services include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, as well as patient navigation, clinical trials and free community screenings. The Center is nationally accredited with commendation and recognized for excellence in cancer care by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.