Geaux Free Can Help You Become Tobacco Free

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC Offers Free Classes to help Kick the Tobacco Habit

  (Houma, La.) Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use accounts for 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Because of these risks, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC offers Geaux Free, a free tobacco cessation counseling service to help people kick the habit. “Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society,” said Chrishelle Stipe, tobacco cessation specialist for MBPCC at TGMC. “Once you quit smoking, over time your risk for developing cancer decreases. It’s never too late to quit.” The Cancer Center’s Geaux Free program helps individuals prepare for quitting, manage withdrawal symptoms, identify triggers that create urges, and learn new behavior and skills to help remain tobacco-free. Classes are held once a week for nine weeks, March 11 – May 6, from 12 -1 p.m. in the Cancer Center’s 3rd floor Activity Room. Lunch is provided. Registration is required and open to the public. For more information or to enroll in this free program, please contact Chrishelle Stipe, at cstipe@marybird.com or (225) 215-1274.   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.