New Support Group for Local Breast Cancer Patients Starts in April

BATON ROUGE, La. – Starting in April, Baton Rouge General and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will offer a monthly breast cancer support group, providing patients an additional resource as they walk through their breast cancer journey. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Louisiana and the U.S., and Black women in the state are more likely to die from the disease.

“After a breast cancer diagnosis, everything changes,” said Dr. Everett Bonner, a surgical breast oncologist and medical director of BRG’s breast surgery program. “The support of family and friends is key for patients, but connecting with a group of peers who have gone through similar experience can be an invaluable shoulder to lean on.”

Led by a Mary Bird Perkins licensed social worker, the support group provides a space for patients to share their stories, seek emotional support, find answers to their questions from clinical experts, and connect with a community who shares their challenges. The group will meet the second Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at BRG’s Bluebonnet campus.

“From navigating treatment to embracing life after cancer, there’s a rollercoaster of emotions to tackle. That’s where support groups shine bright. You’re with others who get it,” shared Angela Hammett, head of patient navigation, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Studies back it up: these groups aren’t just chats, they’re game-changers for quality of life. Throughout a cancer journey, every boost counts.”

In January 2022, BRG and Mary Bird Perkins entered a 10-year agreement that aligned Mary Bird Perkins and BRG services, allowing for additional access to cancer care, physician collaboration and advanced technology for cancer patients in the Baton Rouge area. The organizations continue to share technology and collaborate on clinical programs including screening, clinical trials, nutrition, rehabilitation, and support groups.

The first meeting of the support group is April 10, from 6-8 p.m. in Conference Room 1 at Baton Rouge General - Bluebonnet. For more information, click here or contact harmstrong@marybird.com or (225) 215-0829. RSVPs recommended.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s largest cancer care organization and has been leading the fight against cancer for more than 50 years. Founded in Baton Rouge in 1971 by a group of community leaders, the Cancer Center now serves every region of Louisiana and communities across southwest Mississippi. With the most expansive team of highly-trained oncologists leveraging innovative therapies and technologies, Mary Bird Perkins is offering the most personalized treatment options available in the Gulf South. The Cancer Center’s emphasis on community-based care allows patients to access these resources close to home. From early detection through our innovative Prevention on the Go screening and education program, to diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer, Mary Bird Perkins offers a wide array of individualized support services to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. For more information, visit marybird.org.

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