Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will host its “Barbershop Bash” event on Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Vogue Salon (111 S. Cherry Street) in Hammond. This no-cost community screening event will offer educational resources on prevention and early detection as well as screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer. There will also be free food, music, and activities for children.
While appointments are encouraged, walk-in screenings are available. To make an appointment, call (985) 239-5739 or visit marybird.org/barbershopbash.
“Early detection is so important when it comes to treating cancer and improving health outcomes,” said Eryn Brannagan, Northshore regional manager of early detection and education, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “This is your opportunity to be proactive about your health. If you live in Hammond or in a nearby community, we hope you’ll come out and join us on Feb. 17. Be sure to bring family members and friends with you. Aside from no-cost cancer screenings, we’ll have food, music and fun – something for everyone to enjoy!”
Mary Bird Perkins is hosting this event to raise awareness of the dangers of prostate cancer and colorectal cancer and the importance of getting screened – especially among African American men.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses for men, with roughly one in eight men being diagnosed in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. The National Cancer Institute cites Tangipahoa as the parish with the 17th highest rate (out of 64 parishes) of prostate cancer in the state. Furthermore, the parish ranks 10th when it comes to prostate cancer among African American men.
Colorectal cancer is also one of the most common cancers in both men and women. The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 91%, if detected early. However, only 38% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center works with community partners to offer screening events in various settings, including barbershops. Barbershop owners are often seen as trusted messengers in their communities and their barbershops serve as comfortable, open discussion forums where men can discuss life and challenges, like health-related issues, among their peers. For Mary Bird Perkins, it’s about reaching men where they are.
This event is offered at no-cost to the community thanks to the generous support of the United Health Foundation. In 2023, the Foundation announced a three-year grant partnership with the Cancer Center to help increase access to prostate and colorectal cancer education, screening, and support for historically underserved individuals across Louisiana.
For more information about this event or to learn more about other upcoming Barbershop Bash events, visit marybird.org/barbershopbash.