BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Health screenings can save lives. According to the National Cancer Institute, “screening tests can help find cancer early, before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue or cancer is detected early, it may be easier to treat or cure it.
But 2021 research from the Louisiana Health Insurance Survey indicated that nearly 22,277 people in East Baton Rouge Parish were uninsured.
So what can someone do if they need screening and don’t have health insurance?
The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge is hosting an event that might help. The organization’s Live Well Baton Rouge cancer screening event is scheduled to take place May 13 near the Louisiana State Capitol Building.
When Live Well took place last year, more than 67% of people who attended and received screenings were uninsured, according to the cancer center.
Renea Duffin, Vice President of Cancer Support and Awareness at Mary Bird Perkins, said, “The data speaks for itself. Our work literally saves lives in our community.
In May, participants will have access to:
- Free breast cancer screenings
- Free prostate cancer screenings
- Free colorectal cancer screenings
- Free skin cancer screenings
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol checks
- Blood sugar checks
Live Well will offer attendees more than just cancer screenings. As a family event, it will also feature food, music and activities for children.
The public is welcome and anyone interested in getting tested should make an appointment. To do so, call (225) 425-8034 or schedule it online here.
Mary Bird Perkins reports that nearly 150 Capital Region residents received a total of 260 screenings last year. Some of them may have saved their lives.
Duffin once again urges anyone in need of a screening to take advantage of this free event.
“Each year, Live Well Baton Rouge provides residents, many of whom are underinsured or uninsured, with free early detection and prevention services they might not otherwise have access to,” Duffin said. “We want every member of our community to be proactive about their health. If you haven’t had a cancer screening test in the last twelve months, take advantage of this free opportunity.
Additional details about the event are below.
Date: Saturday May 13, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Along Spanish Town Road in front of the Louisiana State Capitol
Cost: Free