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This article is brought to you by The Baton Rouge Clinic.
At The Baton Rouge Clinic, breast cancer care is about more than treatment. It’s about providing comprehensive, compassionate support at every stage of the journey. With a full range of screening, diagnostic, and surgical services offered under one roof, patients can access advanced care in a setting that is both familiar and convenient.
From routine mammograms to surgical intervention patients are guided by a trusted team, starting with their internist and extending to leading specialists in breast health. Among those experts is Dr. Everett Bonner, a surgical oncologist and breast specialist who has helped shape the clinic’s approach to breast cancer care.
Dr. Bonner made history in 2016 as the first surgeon in the Greater Baton Rouge Area to perform Hidden Scar™ Breast Cancer Surgery, a technique that removes cancerous tissue through a single, discreet incision. This approach preserves the natural shape of the breast and minimizes visible scarring.
Dr. Everett Bonner
Beyond surgery, Dr. Bonner and his team manage a wide range of breast health concerns, including abnormal mammograms, breast pain, lesions, and sentinel node evaluations.
“I think the most important thing is to make sure you are comfortable with the team you’re with because it’s a journey. You’re in it for the long term. It’s a lifelong relationship.”, says Dr. Bonner.
That commitment to long-term, patient-centered care is especially critical in the Capital Region, where rates of breast cancer are higher than both the state and national averages, Louisiana also ranks among the top states for breast cancer mortality.
However, Dr. Bonner notes one bright spot: Louisiana is also a leader in breast cancer screenings, which is a key factor in improving outcomes.
“If the cancer is detected early, in Stage 1 or 2, the survival rate is in the high 90 percent range,” Dr. Bonner said. “If it is detected at Stage 0, there is almost a 100 percent survivability. That’s why mammograms are key.”
The general recommendation is for women to begin annual mammograms at age 40, but earlier screenings may be advised for those with a family history or additional risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or excessive alcohol use.
In addition to regular mammograms, Dr. Bonner encourages women to perform self-exams, see their doctors for regular physical exams, and consider advanced imaging techniques like MRIs or ultrasounds, especially if they have dense breast tissue.
“Early intervention saves lives,” he said. “We hear women who say they don’t want to have a mammogram because they don’t want to know if they have cancer. We can’t have early intervention for something we don’t know about. We work really hard to break down that fear.”
To learn more about breast cancer care at The Baton Rouge Clinic or to schedule a screening, visit batonrougeclinic.com
