Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

💙 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S.

The good news? It is often preventable — and highly treatable when found early.

If you are at average risk, screening should begin at age 45. If you have increased risk factors, talk with your provider about screening earlier.

👉 Learn more about colorectal cancer and screening options:
https://marybird.org/cancer-types/colon/

Early detection saves lives.

03/05/2026

💙 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S.

The good news? It is often preventable — and highly treatable when found early.

If you are at average risk, screening should begin at age 45. If you have increased risk factors, talk with your provider about screening earlier.

👉 Learn more about colorectal cancer and screening options:
https://marybird.org/cancer-types/colon/

Early detection saves lives.

03/04/2026

💜 International HPV Awareness Day

HPV (human papillomavirus) is very common, and certain types can lead to cancers, including cervical, throat, and other cancers. The good news? HPV-related cancers are often preventable.

Vaccination, regular screenings, and conversations with your healthcare provider can help protect you and your loved ones.

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, prevention and early detection are key to our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer in the communities we serve.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine and recommended screenings.

Learn more about cancer prevention:
👉 https://bit.ly/3pEgReE

03/03/2026

🎥 March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

This morning, Dr. Varnado, medical oncologist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, joined WAFB Channel 9 to discuss the importance of colorectal cancer screening and early detection.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S., but when found early, it is highly treatable, and in many cases, preventable through screening. If you are 45 or older, or have additional risk factors, now is the time to talk with your healthcare provider about getting screened.

👉 Watch the full interview here:
https://bit.ly/4tWRCn4

Thank you to our partnership with Baton Rouge General Medical Center and to WAFB's Matt Venezia for helping raise awareness about colorectal cancer in our community.

A colonoscopy is considered the best colorectal cancer screening. The procedure allows polyps to be removed during the process.

03/02/2026

Healing thrives in connection. 💛

Our support groups and wellness programs help patients and caregivers come together to share, grow, and find strength in each other. 🎗️

Here’s what’s happening this month:

Baton Rouge
• Metastatic (Stage IV) Cancer Support Group – Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
• Cancer Support Group – Fridays at 10 a.m.

Covington
• Tai Chi Class – Tuesdays at 5 p.m.
• Breast Support Group for African American Women – March 9 & March 23 at 6 p.m.
• Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) Support Group – March 3 & March 17 at 3 p.m.
• Veterans Combating Cancer – March 5 & March 19 at 9 a.m.
• Yoga and Meditation Class – March 5 & March 19 at 9 a.m.
• Meditation Class – March 17 at 9:30 a.m.
• Facing Cancer Together Support Group - March 11 & March 25 at 12pm

Gonzales
• Support Group – Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
• Mindful Chair Yoga – Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.

Houma
• Together We Can – 3rd Wednesday of each month

Learn more or register at marybird.org/survivorship.

02/28/2026

🩺 Taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated.

Early detection saves lives — and access to care makes it possible. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers FREE cancer screenings in communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Whether it’s your first screening or part of your regular routine, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍 SLIDELL: Sam's Club
📅 Mar 3 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal and Skin

📍 HOUMA: Terrebonne Parish Health Unit
📅 Mar 4 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Skin and Colorectal

📍 BATON ROUGE: Pennington Biomedical Research Center
📅 Mar 7 | ⏰ 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal and Skin

Screenings are free, convenient, and potentially life-saving. 🎗️
Because caring for your health today can protect your tomorrow.

🔗 Learn more and register: marybird.org/get-screened

02/23/2026

Proud to partner with LSU College of Science to train the next generation of medical physicists. 💜💛

Morgan’s work at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center shows how research and education translate into real-world impact for cancer care. We’re grateful for this partnership with LSU and the students who help advance precision, safety, and innovation for our patients.

02/21/2026

🩺 Taking care of your health shouldn’t be complicated.

Early detection saves lives — and access to care makes it possible. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers FREE cancer screenings in communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Whether it’s your first screening or part of your regular routine, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 💛

Upcoming Screening Dates:

📍 AMITE: Walgreens
📅 Feb 23 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast and Colorectal

📍 BATON ROUGE: Woman's Hospital
📅 Feb 24 | ⏰ 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast and Colorectal

📍 COVINGTON: 2nd & Charles (401 US-190)
📅 Feb 25 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal and Skin

📍 WINNSBORO: Mustang Lucy
📅 Feb 26 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal, Skin and Prostate

📍 MONROE: Public Safety Center
📅 Feb 27 | ⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
👉 Screenings: Breast, Colorectal, Skin and Prostate

Screenings are free, convenient, and potentially life-saving. 🎗️
Because caring for your health today can protect your tomorrow.

🔗 Learn more and register: marybird.org/get-screened

02/20/2026

✨ MBP Excellence: Radiation Oncology ✨

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, excellence in radiation oncology means delivering advanced treatment with precision, collaboration, and care — all close to home. 🏠

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-ray beams to damage or destroy cancer cells. And HOW it’s delivered matters.

Our radiation oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, and specialty teams to design treatment plans that are both effective and thoughtfully tailored to each patient.

With advanced radiation technologies, our focus is on targeting cancer while sparing healthy tissue whenever possible. This helps patients receive the care they need, safely and confidently.

Because in cancer care, precision and compassion go hand in hand. ❤️

🔗 Learn more about our Radiation Oncology services: https://bit.ly/46PeBGF

02/19/2026

🩵 When Chantel Townsend was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she didn’t face the journey alone. With the unwavering support of her friend Sheena and the compassionate, coordinated care team at Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Chantel found strength through treatment, recovery, and the uncertainty in between.

Their story is a powerful reminder that cancer care is more than medicine. It’s community, friendship, and access to care close to home that truly make a difference for patients and families in Houma and across our region.

👉 Read Chantel and Sheena’s story:
🔗 https://bit.ly/3ZJSnSH

02/18/2026

🧑‍⚕️ FREE MEN'S HEALTH WEBINAR 🧑‍⚕️

Men’s health conversations matter. And access to expert information can make a meaningful difference in taking care of your own health.

Presented by Boston Scientific Urology, join Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, for a Free Webinar, hosted by Dr. Matthew Mutter, one of our physicians at our Metairie location. During this webinar, Dr. Mutter will discuss common men’s health concerns, including erectile dysfunction and bladder leakage, and review when to talk to a provider, as well as treatment options you can access now.

📆 Thursday, February 26
⏰ 6:00 PM CT
💻 Free | Virtual

We encourage men, partners, and caregivers to join us for this informative and supportive conversation.

📲 Register today to mark your calendar: https://bit.ly/4rT3pRK

02/17/2026

Happy Mardi Gras from all of us at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center! 🎭💜💛💚

Sending lots of love to our patients, families, and the communities we serve. Whether you’re enjoying a parade or just soaking up the carnival spirit, we wish you all the good throws and plenty of delicious king cake.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! 🎭

02/16/2026

💘 What a night in Hammond!

Gal’s Night Out, presented by Republic Finance, brought our community together in support of local cancer patients and families, and thanks to incredible generosity, more than $66,100 was raised to support care close to home! 💖

👑 Congratulations to Erika Hemphill, our 2026 Queen of Hearts, and thank you to the Sweetheart Court, sponsored by North Oaks Health System, all our sponosrs, and everyone who showed up to make this night meaningful. Events like this help us continue our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer across the communities we serve.

Thank you, Hammond, for standing with Mary Bird Perkins! 💜

02/13/2026

💝 Sweet moments, shared with heart

This week, patients, families, and team members at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington and Hammond were surprised with a little Valentine’s joy from Elmer Chocolate. 🍫💜

Elmer's passion for bringing smiles and supporting meaningful missions was felt throughout our center as sweet treats helped brighten treatment days and lift spirits.

We’re also grateful for their support of Gal’s Night Out and the Northshore community. Partnerships like this help us surround patients and families with care.

Every gift, big or small, brings hope. Thank you, Elmer's, for helping us share kindness when it matters most. 💜

02/13/2026

For patients, national recognition matters because it reflects the quality and safety of their care.

We’re proud to share that our Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center location has earned two important national recognitions that reinforce our commitment to delivering the highest standards in cancer treatment:

✅ QOPI Certification Program (Quality Oncology Practice Initiative): recognizing nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care in outpatient oncology practices.
✅ American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation in radiation oncology: a gold seal of quality and patient safety awarded to facilities meeting rigorous practice and technical standards.

These honors reflect our commitment to patient-centered care, high standards, and compassionate experts, right here in our community.
🔗 Learn more: marybird.org

Facing a cancer diagnosis means making important decisions, and having a trusted care team to move forward with confidence can make all the difference.

02/10/2026

💜 LymphEd: A Free Lymphedema Education Class 💜

LymphEd is a free educational class designed to help cancer survivors understand lymphedema risk, prevention, and early warning signs through education and early intervention.

📍 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington
📆 Thursday, February 19
⏰ 3 – 4 p.m.
💲 Free of charge

This class is open to survivors and caregivers affected by treatments involving lymph node removal or radiation, including breast, head and neck, gynecologic, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

🩺 You’ll learn:
• What lymphedema is and common misconceptions
• Early signs to watch for
• Everyday strategies to help reduce risk
• What to do if symptoms appear

Led by a board-certified oncology physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist from Geaux Fight Physical Therapy, in partnership with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bzqiVm

Supporting survivorship starts with education. 💜

02/06/2026

📣 Support Group Update:
The Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) Support Group scheduled for Tuesday, February 17 will be canceled due to the Mardi Gras holiday. The group will resume on Tuesday, March 3, from 3–4 p.m. at the Mary Bird Perkins Administrative Building in Covington.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in March. 💜

01/30/2026

🎗️ January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. 💚

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Thanks to routine Pap tests and HPV screenings, cervical cancer deaths have decreased by more than 50% over the last 30 years.

When to get screened for cervical cancer:
• Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
• Ages 30–65: Pap test + HPV test every 5 years
• High-risk individuals: May need more frequent screening, talk with your provider to find out what's right for you.

The HPV vaccine also plays a critical role in prevention, and with vaccination, regular screenings can amplify your protection against cervical cancer.

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we are dedicated to education, prevention, and providing advanced cancer care close to home. Talk with your OB-GYN or primary care provider about what’s best for you.

🔗 Learn more about cervical cancer, risk factors, and prevention: https://marybird.org/cancer-types/cervical/

01/22/2026

Our location is expected to be open for regular business hours on Friday, January 23, and Monday, January 26.

Please use caution when traveling and continue to monitor local conditions. If you have an upcoming appointment and have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact your care team.

If any updates or changes occur, we will share the latest information here on our social media channels.

01/22/2026

💜 You’re Not Alone. Support Is Here. 💜

Patients and caregivers affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) are invited to join a supportive community designed to connect, encourage, and uplift. Our Cholangiocarcinoma Support Group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, learn from others who understand this diagnosis, and find strength in community.

📆 When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month
⏰ Time: 3 – 4 p.m.
📍 Where: Mary Bird Perkins Administrative Building
630 S. Tyler St., Covington, LA

This group is led by Heidi Rhea of A Rhea of Hope LA and is open to both patients and caregivers.

📞 For more information, please contact Ailah Martin, Survivorship Coordinator, at (985) 898-0589, or visit marybird.org/survivorship.

At Mary Bird Perkins, survivorship means walking alongside you, every step of the way. 💜

01/09/2026

🏴‍☠️⚓ Ahoy, Covington! ⚓🏴‍☠️

Our very own medical oncologist, Dr. Saux, is bringing his legendary pirate spirit to life once again, and this year, he’s got some very special company. Dr. Saux teams up with Covington Mayor Mark Johnson, with both of them dressed in full pirate garb and proudly hoisting the pirate flag to kick off the fun! 🏴‍☠️

The13th Annual Pirate Party is a beloved Northshore tradition hosted by Dr. Saux, The Pirate Oncologist, benefiting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center here in Covington. This high-seas celebration raises critical funds to support cancer care for patients right here in our community. 💜

⚓ When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
🏴‍☠️ Where: Columbia Street Tap Room & Seiler Bar
434 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA
🍗 Includes: Food, drinks, live & silent auctions, and a shipload of pirate-themed fun

🎟️ For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, be sure to visit the event page and join the crew before the tide turns! https://www.facebook.com/events/1167720131388264/

So don your finest pirate garb, grab your crew, and get ready for a night of plunderin’ for a purpose, all in support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center! ⚓💜