MONROE, La. – Ochsner LSU Health Monroe will host several community events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote education, early detection, survivorship and support for those affected by breast cancer. Activities throughout October include a walk-in mammography screening event, the annual Breast Cancer Survivor & Memorial Walk and a community lunch & learn focused on breast health and cancer prevention.  

Walk-In Mammography Screening 

Community members are invited to participate in a walk-in mammography screening event on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Radiology Department on the first floor of Monroe Medical Center. Screening mammograms will be available for individuals age 40 and older, providing an opportunity to prioritize preventive care and early detection. Participants must present a valid ID for screening. 

7th Annual Breast Cancer Survivor & Memorial Walk 

The 7th Annual Breast Cancer Survivor & Memorial Walk will take place Thursday, Oct. 15. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the walk starts at 11 a.m. at Monroe Medical Center, located at 4864 Jackson St. Participants are encouraged to wear colors representing the cancer journey that has touched their lives or the lives of loved ones, friends or family members. The walk is designed to honor survivors,; remember those lost to cancer and celebrate the strength and resilience of the community. Online registration is encouraged but not required. 

Celebration of Life Lunch & Learn 

Immediately following the walk, Ochsner LSU Health Monroe will host its annual Celebration of Life lunch & learn from noon to 1 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. The program will feature Sindhu Devarashetty, MD, breast medical oncologist at Ochsner LSU Health and director of the High-Risk Breast & Hereditary Cancer Clinic. Dr. Devarashetty will lead an interactive discussion focused on breast cancer awareness, screening recommendations, warning signs, prevention strategies, family history, genetic risk factors and survivorship.  

The educational program, “Think Pink Monroe, Know your Risk, Get Screened, Take Action” is designed to help attendees better understand their personal risk factors and provide valuable information about screening and breast health resources available throughout the region. Registration is required for the luncheon.  

“Breast cancer awareness starts with education and screening,” said Dr. Devarashetty. “These events provide an opportunity for our community to learn more about breast health, understand their risk and take proactive steps toward early detection.” 

Pink Out Friday 

Employees across Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center will also observe Pink Out Friday on Oct. 16 by wearing pink attire and accessories in support of breast cancer survivors, patients and families affected by the disease.  

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to encourage preventive care, promote early detection and connect community members with resources that support lifelong breast health.  

For more information about the events, contact Beverly V. Lewis at beverly.lewis@ochsnerlsuhs.org. 

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ABOUT OCHSNER LSU HEALTH  

The Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana (Ochsner LSU Health) is a partnership between Ochsner Health, the largest health system in the state of Louisiana, and LSU Health Shreveport. Ochsner LSU Health provides healthcare to more than 162,000 patients across North Louisiana. With numerous convenient locations, Ochsner LSU Health includes three acute care hospitals, multiple outpatient facilities and clinics across Shreveport, Bossier and Monroe. The system has more than 4,200 employees that work alongside the Ochsner LSU Health Physician Group of 950 physicians and residents in more than 75 specialties and subspecialties.