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NATCHEZ — Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center again hosts Live Well Mississippi, a community event featuring no-cost cancer screenings, early detection education and other health resources, on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Natchez Middle School at 319 Sgt. Prentiss Drive.

Based on risk factors, residents can be screened for various cancers, including breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers. Biometric screenings, health vendors, food, music and activities for children will also be available.

While appointments are encouraged, walk-in screenings will be available. To make a screening appointment, call (601) 202-5056 or visit marybird.org/natchez/live-well-mississippi/.

“While we provide screenings across southwest Mississippi throughout the year, we are thrilled to bring our Live Well event back for a second year,” said Cryshel Richard, regional manager and cancer support and outreach coordinator at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Last spring, participation exceeded our expectations – residents made it clear their desire for convenient access to early detection and prevention services. We look forward to another successful year!”

In April 2023, Natchez became the sixth region to launch the Cancer Center’s signature screening event. Despite a wet forecast, 106 total cancer screenings were completed:

• 36 skin cancer screenings
• 34 colorectal cancer screenings
• 24 breast cancer screenings
• 12 prostate cancer screenings

Of the 59 screening participants, nearly 44 percent reported never having been screened for any type of cancer before and another 25 percent hadn’t been screened in more than three years.

After participating and partnering with the Cancer Center at the inaugural event in 2023, Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten has agreed to serve as honorary event chairperson for this year’s event.

“Mary Bird Perkins has become a trusted partner in the greater Natchez region through grassroots awareness and compassionate care,” Patten said. “Living in a largely rural area, I see the barriers to care our residents face every day. The services provided through this event are welcome and crucial to improving health outcomes across Adams County.”

For more information about this event and other cancer screening opportunities in your community, please visit marybird.org/get-screened.