Your Guide to Cancer Screenings and Classes in Slidell
Cancer screening can help you find cancer before you experience any symptoms. Support groups and training can give you a network of support and education as you fight the disease. Slidell Memorial Hospital can help you with both.
Cancer Screening Recommendations
Regular testing can help detect breast, cervical and colorectal (colon) cancers early, giving you your best change at successful treatment. In addition to CT and MRI imaging, SMH has breast MRI and PET/CT scan services that give your doctor information to enable easier detection. This non-invasive procedure is also useful in detecting other common cancers, including lung, ovary, head/neck and melanomas.
Here is an overview of the American Cancer Society guidelines for early detection:
Breast Cancer: Women should perform regular self-examinations and report any abnormalities to their doctor right away. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year; women age 55 and over should switch to mammograms every two years. Women with a family history of breast cancer should be screened with MRIs, along with mammograms.
Colorectal Cancer: After age 50, men and women should get a colonoscopy every 10 years or CT colonography every five years. Other blood and DNA tests may also help with early detection, so consult your doctor for a testing schedule that’s right for you.
Cervical Cancer: Women between ages 21 and 29 need a Pap test every three years. Between ages 30 and 65 they should get a Pap test plus HPV test every five years. Some women may need a different screening schedule, due to their health history.
Prostate Cancer: The American Cancer Society advises that men aged 50 and above talk to their health care provider about the pros and cons of testing. If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should have the discussion with your doctor starting at age 45.
Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition that results from a blockage in your lymphatic system (part of your immune system). It is characterized by swelling in the arms or legs and is most commonly caused by the removal of lymph nodes as a part of cancer surgery or radiation. There's no cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care. A free seminar to help you find out if you are at risk for lymphedema will be Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m., in the SMH Regional Cancer Center (1120 Robert Blvd., 1st Floor Library). Call(985) 280-6611 to register.
To see more details or for the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for uterine cancer and lung cancer screening, click here. Slidell Memorial Hospital has other free or reduced-cost cancer screening events; to learn more, please contact the concierge at (985) 280-6610.
SMH Cancer Support Services
The SMH Cancer Program offers a variety of supportive services, including support groups and educational symposia. The Cancer Center offers everything from a patient education library to the Lori Hoffman Von Matre Appearance Center, which provides wigs and other items for patients undergoing cancer treatments. Patient, family, individual and group education and support groups are available for postoperative patients as well as those with advanced-stage cancer.
Here are a few of our upcoming classes:
New Patient Orientation. The SMH Regional Cancer Center (1120 Robert Blvd.) provides orientation for new cancer patients and caregivers, including tours and education about diagnosis and treatment. Call 280-6670 to schedule an appointment.
Look Good... Feel Better. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking pride in your appearance during a difficult time. Cancer treatment is stressful enough, and the physical side effects (ranging from hair loss to dry skin) can greatly impact a woman’s appearance and self-esteem. If you’re fighting cancer and in need of a confidence boost, this presentation is designed for you. Volunteer cosmetic professionals will be on hand to assist cancer patients with makeup and hair tips in the SMH Imaging Center Conference Room (1495 Gause Blvd.) Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meetings are perfect if you have undergone chemotherapy and radiation and have questions about how to look your best. Each participant receives a free makeup kit. A light lunch is included. Please call(985) 280-8585 to register.
Healthy Cooking with Chef Nino. Nutrition is a big part of cancer treatment. Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes all strengthen immune function, reduce inflammation and help keep up strength and energy. Eating well can help anyone feel better and stay stronger; unfortunately, the illness and its treatment can often diminish your appetite and affect your body's ability to tolerate certain foods. SMH can help with the cooking skills needed to prepare easy recipes that not only taste good, but will also help develop healthy eating habits. The workshops will take place in the SMH Founders Building (1st Floor Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.). Neil "Nino" Thibodaux is a chef and author from South Louisiana and will serve as the instructor. The next classes are Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 1-4:30 p.m. To enroll, please call (985) 280-6624.
Yoga for Cancer Patients and Caregivers. Staying active during cancer treatment can substantially improve your sense of well-being. Yoga for Cancer Patients and Caregivers is specifically for cancer patients and their caregivers. There is no charge for the classes, but registration is required. The classes are every Monday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in the SMH Wellness Pavilion (501 Robert Blvd., 2nd Floor). For more information and to register, please call (985) 280-6600.
Slidell Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Program is accredited and designated as a Community Cancer Center Program by the American College of Surgeons. For information on cancer services, programs and support groups, call the SMH concierge at (985) 280-6610.