Cancer Screening is Important

Finding and treating cancer at an early stage can save lives. Regular screening exams can be used to diagnose cancer early for the highest chance of success. The current recommendations for breast, cervical and colon cancer screenings are as follows:

  • Women ages 40-64 - Digital mammography
  • Women ages 25-64 - HPV cervical screening
  • Women ages 45-64 - Colorectal cancer screening
  • Men ages 45-64 - Colorectal cancer screening

Contact your provider to discuss the various screening types, how often to get screenings, and how to get screened.

Recognizing the importance of early detection of cancers, The Rapides Foundation in 2009 unveiled the Cancer Screening Project in response to its 2005 Community Health Assessment that found too many Central Louisiana residents were not getting screened for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.  The 2024 Community Health Assessment shows screening rates do not meet the Healthy People 2030 goal to reduce new cases of cancer and cancer-related illness, disability and death. Early screening for certain cancers can be cost-effective and promote longer, healthier lives. 

Based on the 2009 findings, the Foundation developed a plan with the goal of promoting early detection of cancer and continues to implement these efforts through the Cancer Screening Project.

Cancer Screening Project

The Cancer Screening Project is administered by CMAP and is part of The Rapides Foundation's Healthcare Access Initiative. The Foundation's initiative to increase cancer screenings includes offering access to a mobile cancer screening unit, producing a multi-media awareness campaign about the importance of cancer screening, and making available a Community Health Advisor to help navigate patients to available cancer screening services.

Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign

The Foundation has a widespread media campaign, Change Cancer's Direction with Early Detection, designed to raise awareness in Central Louisiana about the importance of early detection of cancers through screening. The campaign features local residents and their journeys.

Watch these videos to learn the cancer screening stories of your friends and neighbors, and talk to your provider about getting your cancer screenings.

Mobile Cancer Screening Unit Offers Free Screenings

The Foundation’s Cancer Screening Project helps individuals get access to free medical screenings for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers.

A feature of this project is the Cancer Screening Van, a mobile digital mammography unit that travels throughout Central Louisiana. The screening van is a partnership between The Rapides Foundation, Cenla Medication Access Program (CMAP), and the Partners in Wellness Program at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU Health Shreveport.

For questions about eligibility for the free screenings, contact the Cancer Screening Project at (318) 767-3027 or toll-free at (855) 767-3027.

Cancer Screening Project

Community Health Advisor

CMAP’s Community Health Advisor helps educate the community about the importance of cancer screenings.

Community Health Advisors provide education, outreach and information to men and women throughout Central Louisiana. They encourage people to practice early detection of colon, breast and cervical cancer while it is in the most treatable stages.

For more information, please contact CMAP at 318-767-3027.

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