Quack for a Cure returns to Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital

Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital and Rapides Cancer Center are asking the community to join the flock this October as Quack for a Cure returns.

The fountain in the Atrium at Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital will fill with pink and yellow rubber ducks for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with each duck honoring survivors, remembering loved ones and reminding us that early detection saves lives.

"We had such a great response to our first Quack for a Cure last year that we are hoping for an even bigger turnout this October," said Charla H. Ducote, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Business Development at Rapides Regional Medical Center. "Each October, breast cancer activities like this are gentle reminders to prioritize our health, and we invite the community to join our flock in raising awareness of breast cancer and the need for preventive screenings."

A duck launch will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. - noon. Community members are invited to join our colleagues in writing personal messages of love, strength and encouragement on our pink ducks that will be placed in the fountain during the month of October.

The ducks also serve as a reminder that early detection saves lives. Here are facts about breast cancer:

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
• Mammograms are the best tool for early detection
• There is a 99 percent survival rate when breast cancer is found early

Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital also invites the community to join our flock for Wear Pink Wednesdays.

• Oct. 7: Pink Ribbon Day
• Oct. 14: Let's SOCK it to cancer by wearing pink socks
• Oct. 21: Pink accessories day
• Oct. 28: Pink out day!

Our Community Education Department is also providing education for the month, speaking to various groups. If you would like to see about scheduling breast cancer awareness education, please call (318) 769-4027.

Since 1989, breast cancer death rates in the U.S. have declined 44 percent, but the incidence of breast cancer in women has risen an average of 1 percent annually since 2012.

"Being proactive when it comes to cancer is the key to beating cancer," said Theresa Hood, MSN, RN-BC, Director of Community Education at Rapides Regional Medical Center. "The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance of survival. Regular cancer screenings should be a part of everyone's health regiment.

"We encourage all women to know their family history of breast cancer, and to have conversations with their doctors about regular cancer screenings. If you don't have a physician, you may call 877-801-8441 to find one."