Dear Louisiana,

We are no strangers to challenges. We know what it feels like to face obstacles — big and small, individually and collectively, locally and globally.

We also know the importance of working together when one of us is faced with adversity. We take a deep breath, roll up our sleeves, and get to work as a community the way we always do.  

In Louisiana, we take pride in our rich history, food, music, and diverse communities across the state. But we also know there are some people in our communities with limited access to high-quality, affordable health care. 

If you’re one of the tens of thousands of people in our state who has been diagnosed with cancer, you know firsthand the difficulties this disease can bring. We have a higher incidence of cancer and a lower rate of survival. And, as with the rest of the US, there are differences in outcomes based on a person’s race, their level of education, where they live, and how much money they make. That’s unacceptable. 

What is clear is that all Louisianians deserve first-class cancer care. When you receive care at one of LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center's affiliate hospitals, you join our family of doctors, researchers, patient advocates, clinicians, nurses, and support staff who are ready to support you. Thanks to our partnership with Louisiana State University and LCMC Health, you have access to even more extensive resources to help. 

Our more-than-medicine approach to cancer care also provides resources to navigate other challenges like affording your treatment, ensuring you have access to healthy, nutritious food, and utilizing resources for emotional support. 

We are always looking for ways to improve cancer care and better prevent, diagnose, treat, and survive cancer through our: 

• Access to and development of state-of-the-art clinical trials
• Virtual research nurse program, which connects Louisiana residents in rural and urban areas to care using telemedicine
• Partnerships with federally qualified health centers, including St. Thomas Community Health Center and NOELA Community Health Center
• Research programs at the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center of Excellence that bring together the brightest minds in cancer research here in Louisiana to focus on the specific challenges we face and our inordinate cancer burden
• Work with communities throughout Louisiana to better understand how cancer affects us where we live, so that we can make a real difference

Whether you’re sitting in your kitchen in Ruston, St. Martinville, New Orleans, or Port Fourchon, you’re never alone. We are here to help you and your family and friends better prevent cancer and catch it early if you are diagnosed.  By seeking treatment with the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center family, your support system grows by thousands from our organization and millions across the state. 

In Louisiana, we take care of each other, and your cancer treatment is as unique as our communities. At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, let us shoulder some of the burdens of a cancer diagnosis by giving you the care you deserve.