Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center hosted free cancer screening in Baton Rouge [Video]

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Mary Bird Perkins Center hosted a free cancer screening and education event on Saturday, May 18.

This free community event was part of the Mary Bird-Perkins’ Prevention on the Go (POGO) program, which allows residents and patients to take advantage of four types of cancer screenings such as breast, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancers. Health professionals offered blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks.

In 2023, 91 of the metropolitan area residents received 171 screenings, with 21 requiring additional patient navigation.

Patient Terry Potts said as he gets older, the need to make his health a priority is top tier.

“I have diabetes and heart problems,” said Potts. “I have a stent myself, so I had a 90% blockage in my chest. So since then, I’ve been on the health tip, getting checked out, going to the doctors in time of need.”

About 42% of participants …