MORGAN CITY—In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will host its 10th annual Barbershop Bash screening event on Saturday, September 9 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Skinner’s Barbershop (1001 Railroad Avenue, Morgan City).
This free community event will offer educational resources on prevention and early detection as well as screenings for colorectal and prostate cancers.
Beyond these important cancer screenings and health services, there will be food, music, door prizes and other fun activities for the entire family. The Louisiana Department of Health will also be providing free biometric screenings and COVID-19 vaccinations.
“Over the last decade, Skinner’s Barbershop has been a trusted ambassador and partner to the Cancer Center, advocating for men in the community they serve to stay up to date on preventative screenings,” said Hope Jones, Bayou regional manager, early detection and education, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Stakeholders with deep local ties, like Skinner’s, allow us to reach more underserved populations. We are so excited to recognize their tremendous effort with this milestone event next month!”
Appointments are required for all screenings. To make an appointment, please call (985) 239-5739 or visit pogo.marybird.com. If any abnormality is found, a nurse navigator will assist screening participants with the next steps.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers in both men and women and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, due in part to low testing rates, according to the American Cancer Society. Louisiana is expected to see 2,560 new colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2023 and 870 deaths.
Early detection is critical in the fight against colorectal cancer. The 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 91% if found at the local stage. However, only 38% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage.
Behind skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for men, with roughly one in eight men being diagnosed in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is expected to be the most diagnosed cancer in Louisiana in 2023, with 4,970 anticipated new cases, accounting for roughly 17% of all new diagnoses.
The 10th annual Barbershop Bash event is made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, Aetna, and partners, Skinner’s Barbershop, the Louisiana Department of Health and the Omicron Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
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