Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC Offers Free Prostate Screenings

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

  According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is by far the leading cancer among men in the United States. African-American men are at highest risk for this type of cancer. During September, National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC is increasing the number of free prostate cancer screenings regularly offered throughout the community in order to reach as many men as possible. 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 screening includes a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam performed by a doctor. If the results of either of these tests are abnormal, further testing may be needed to see if a cancer is present. Below is a list of free prostate cancer screenings available in September by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC, some of which offer additional screenings for other types of cancer as well.  Note that in some cases an appointment is required. Please call (888) 616-4687 for scheduling.   Wednesday, Sept. 9                                                                        Prostate, Skin & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 12:30–3:30 p.m. Walmart 16759 Hwy. 3235 Galliano Thursday, Sept. 10 Prostate, Skin & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 12:30-3 p.m. Leblanc’s Food Store 260 Hwy. 70 Plattenville Saturday, Sept. 12                                                                                                Prostate Cancer Screening 9-1 p.m. Skinners Barbershop 1001 Railroad Ave. Morgan City Appointment Required Thursday, Sept. 17 Prostate & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 9-11 a.m. & 12-2 p.m. TGMC Medical Atrium 8120 Main St. Houma Appointment Required for Prostate Saturday, Sept. 19                                                                            Prostate, Skin, Oral & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 9-1 p.m. Terrebonne Parish Main Library 151 Library Dr. Houma Tuesday, Sept. 22 Prostate, Skin & Colorectal Cancer Screenings 12:30-3:30 p.m. Town Hall 120 N. Montz Ave. Gramercy Tuesday, Sept. 29 Prostate & Skin Cancer Screenings 12:30-3 p.m. Pierre Part Store 3421 LA-70 Pierre Part For additional information on prostate cancer risk factors and screenings, visit mbpTGMC.org/prostate.   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 Cancer Center is nationally accredited with commendation and recognized for excellence in cancer care by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as well as the national Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).