Early cancer detection saves lives, and prevention starts with action. This April, CHRISTUS Health is calling on communities to prioritize routine cancer screenings and healthy lifestyle choices in recognition of National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

As part of ongoing cancer prevention efforts, CHRISTUS Health will host a skin cancer screening event in partnership with Dermatology and Skin Surgery on May 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport. Community members are encouraged to register now to have concerning spots evaluated and learn more about skin cancer risk and early warning signs. To schedule your free screening, call 318-681-6231.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.8 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022, and more than 613,000 Americans died from cancer in 2023, emphasizing the need for preventative measures and early detection.

For Jennifer Varnadore, a CHRISTUS Associate who participated in a CHRISTUS skin cancer screening, early detection proved critical.

“I asked for a consult after a provider noticed an unusual mole on my back,” she said. “Because it was caught early, the biopsy and follow-up excision were successful, and the margins came back clear. I’m incredibly thankful for CHRISTUS and for having access to preventive screenings that truly made a difference.”

Varnadore said her experience reinforced the importance of paying attention to changes in the skin and taking advantage of screening opportunities when they are available.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 44% of cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented. Many of these deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and too much sun exposure.

“Finding cancer early can make a significant difference in how it is treated and how patients do long term,” said Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, hematology and oncology specialist with CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport. “Routine screenings help identify cancer before symptoms appear, often allowing for more treatment options and better outcomes.”

Chintapalli encourages individuals to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of cancer by staying current with preventative screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies and low-dose CT scans.  She also emphasizes the importance of implementing healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and adopting a nutritious diet.

To learn more about cancer prevention, screenings and care options, visit our website.