March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC Offers Free Cancer Screenings

  (Houma, La.) – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: the type of cancer people are often too embarrassed to talk about. Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon and rectum, is the second leading cancer killer of men and women in the United States. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC is trying to change that. “In addition to being a leader in cancer treatment, our facility has also made a major impact in the area of early detection,” said Dr. Jeffrey Long, medical director and radiation oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC.  “Fighting cancer starts with prevention and early detection. Offering more free screenings and cancer education to at-risk populations is a critical part of our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. “ Free colorectal, skin and breast cancer screenings are being offered throughout March.  Appointments are required for breast cancer screenings only. Please call toll free (888) 616-4687. Colorectal Cancer Screenings: Thursday, March 6 Walmart 410 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux Monday, March 31 10 a.m. – 1 p.m Stage 6435 Hwy. 182, Morgan City Breast and Skin Cancer Screenings:                             Monday, March 10 Breast: 9 – 11 a.m. & 12 ­– 2 p.m. Skin: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Best Buy 1640 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houma Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screenings: Thursday, March 27 9 – 11 a.m.  &  12 ­– 2 p.m. Walmart – Eastside 933 Grand Caillou Road, Houma   Colorectal cancer starts with benign polyps that often bleed, so staff members at each screening will distribute free take-home kits that test for hidden blood in the stool. The take-home kit must be picked up by the user and is not a substitute for a colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for screening. Age is the primary risk factor for colorectal cancer. More than 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in individuals older than 50. Fifty is the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening unless there is a family history, in which case you should begin sooner. Check with your family doctor for the most appropriate screening option for your age and medical history.