Houma residents screened for cancer and other conditions in fun, festive atmosphere
(Houma, LA) – Over 250 Houma area residents took proactive measures to protect their health by participating in Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center’s inaugural Live Well Bayou event at Courthouse Square on Main Street. Funded by Cenac Marine Services, Houma residents received screenings for five different types of cancer and other health screenings at no cost at the Nov. 16 event.
“Cenac Marine Services’ generous donation to the Cancer Center was critical to the success of Live Well Bayou,” said Johnnay Benjamin, director of early detection and education, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Events of this magnitude require many resources. Everyone involved from Cenac went above and beyond to make sure we reached as many people as possible, offering comprehensive prevention and early detection to all community members.”
Live Well cancer screenings included breast, prostate, skin, colorectal and oral cavity, along with blood pressure and glucose checks. Any participants who received an abnormal finding are being assisted by a patient navigator to ensure necessary follow-up care is promptly accessed.
Following is an overview of screening statistics from Live Well Bayou:
- 261 cancer screenings were provided
- 19 participants had an abnormal finding and are receiving support from the patient navigator to reach resolution of the finding
- 61 percent of those screened had never been screened before
“Our partnership with Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center is a great fit because we both feel strongly about ensuring area residents have access to the highest level of cancer care services,” said Richard Watkins, project manager, Cenac Marine Services. “We are honored to help provide potentially life-saving services to the residents of Houma and surrounding areas. Benny Cenac, third-generation owner of the company, has a long standing commitment to giving back to this region. Wellness and early detection are both areas that Benny feels connected to personally. Cenac Marine Services feels that our three-year philanthropic commitment to the Cancer Center will only increase awareness in our area.”
In addition to the health aspects of the event, Live Well Bayou included activities for the whole family. Food, entertainment and children’s activities were all available at no cost.
The Cancer Center offers screenings throughout the year. For more information, call (866) 595-7244 or visit mbptgmc.org.
About Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center 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).