Top 10 Cancer Treatment Centers in Louisiana

Navigating a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when facing a terminal illness. Knowing you have access to the best possible care is crucial. In Louisiana, numerous cancer centers offer advanced treatments, cutting-edge research, and compassionate support. This list highlights ten of the top cancer treatment centers in Louisiana, offering hope and comprehensive care to those facing challenging diagnoses. We understand the urgency and emotional weight of this search, and we aim to provide you with valuable information to make informed decisions.

Louisiana's cancer treatment landscape includes world-class partnerships like Ochsner MD Anderson, NCI Community Oncology Research Program participants, and specialized academic medical centers. Whether you're in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, or rural Louisiana, you'll find dedicated teams ready to support your complete cancer care journey.

1. Ochsner Cancer Institute (New Orleans and Statewide)

Ochsner Cancer Institute, in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, represents Louisiana's most comprehensive cancer care network with locations throughout the state.

Strengths

• Partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center brings world-class protocols and expertise to Louisiana

• First in Louisiana to offer CAR T-cell immunotherapy for adult cancer patients

• Network of 70+ locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South providing consistent care

• Extensive clinical trial portfolio with access to MD Anderson research protocols

• Advanced radiation therapy technologies including IMRT, SBRT, and brachytherapy

• Multidisciplinary tumor boards review complex cases weekly across all locations

• Nationally recognized for breast cancer care and women's oncology programs

Specialties

• Immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy programs for blood cancers

• Comprehensive breast cancer center with genetics counseling and high-risk screening

• Thoracic oncology for lung and esophageal cancers with advanced surgical techniques

• Gastrointestinal cancer program including hepatobiliary and pancreatic expertise

• Hematologic malignancies with bone marrow transplantation capabilities

• Prostate and genitourinary cancers with robotic surgery options

• Precision medicine utilizing genomic testing and targeted therapies

Patient Support Areas

• Comprehensive navigation services with dedicated navigators for each cancer type

• Financial counselors at all major locations to assist with insurance and funding

• Integrative oncology services including acupuncture, massage therapy, and wellness programs

• Psychosocial support with individual counseling and support groups statewide

• Nutritional counseling with registered dietitians specializing in oncology

• Palliative care team integrated throughout treatment for symptom management

• Survivorship programs addressing long-term health after treatment

Things to Consider

• As Louisiana's largest network, coordinating care across multiple locations may require communication

• Some advanced treatments only available at main New Orleans campus

• High patient volume at flagship location may result in 2-3 week wait for initial consultations

• Insurance networks vary by location, verify coverage before scheduling

• Parking and navigation can be challenging at urban New Orleans campus

2. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (Baton Rouge, Covington)

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a leading regional cancer care organization and member of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program, bringing national clinical trials to Louisiana communities.

Strengths

• NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) membership provides access to national clinical trials

• Highly regarded patient navigation program guides patients through entire treatment journey

• Advanced radiation therapy including TrueBeam and TomoTherapy technologies

• Strong community focus with extensive education and prevention programs

• Multiple convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Covington, and surrounding areas

• Accredited by Commission on Cancer and American College of Radiology

• Partnership with multiple hospitals enhances care coordination

Specialties

• Breast cancer comprehensive care with same-day biopsy results

• Lung cancer screening and treatment with low-dose CT programs

• Colorectal cancer with genetic testing and family screening programs

• Prostate cancer with advanced imaging and focal therapy options

• Gynecologic oncology services throughout southeast Louisiana

• Head and neck cancer program with specialized surgical team

• Clinical trials through NCORP for multiple cancer types

Patient Support Areas

• Patient navigators assigned from diagnosis through survivorship

• Financial counseling and assistance with treatment costs and insurance

• Support groups for patients and caregivers at multiple locations

• Nutritional counseling services throughout treatment

• Wellness programs including yoga, meditation, and exercise classes

• Look Good Feel Better and wig/prosthetics assistance programs

• Survivorship clinic addressing post-treatment health concerns

Things to Consider

• Primarily serves southeast Louisiana region, less accessible from other parts of state

• Some specialized treatments may require referral to academic medical centers

• Not NCI-designated as comprehensive center, though NCORP participation is significant

• Advanced imaging and surgical procedures performed at partner hospitals

• Limited availability of certain immunotherapies compared to academic centers

3. LSU Health Sciences Center - Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center (New Orleans)

As an academic medical center affiliated with Louisiana State University, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center focuses on research, education, and comprehensive patient care with emphasis on underserved populations.

Strengths

• Academic medical center environment with research-driven treatment approaches

• Access to LSU Health Sciences Center specialists across multiple disciplines

• Participation in national cancer research networks and clinical trials

• Focus on cancer disparities research benefiting Louisiana's diverse population

• Training program for next generation of oncologists and researchers

• Affiliation with University Medical Center New Orleans for inpatient services

• Strong lung cancer and breast cancer research programs

Specialties

• Lung cancer research and treatment with emphasis on screening programs

• Breast cancer care including genetics and high-risk assessment

• Hematologic malignancies and blood disorder treatments

• Gastrointestinal cancer programs with research focus

• Cancer prevention and early detection research

• Head and neck cancer program with reconstructive surgery

• Clinical trials for various cancer types through cooperative groups

Patient Support Areas

• Social work services addressing practical and emotional needs

• Financial counseling for patients with limited insurance or resources

• Support groups focused on specific cancer types

• Nutritional services through LSU Health network

• Patient education programs and resource library

• Connections to community resources and assistance programs

• Palliative care consultations available through University Medical Center

Things to Consider

• Academic setting may feel less personal than community cancer centers

• Research focus means some treatments are part of clinical trials

• Single location in New Orleans requires travel for patients outside metro area

• Complex hospital system navigation may be challenging for some patients

• Wait times for appointments can extend several weeks during academic year

• Limited evening and weekend appointment availability

4. Tulane Cancer Center (New Orleans)

Part of Tulane University Medical Center, Tulane Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer services from prevention and screening to advanced treatment and survivorship, with emphasis on personalized medicine.

Strengths

• Academic medical center with comprehensive cancer research programs

• Personalized medicine approach utilizing genetic and molecular profiling

• Strong survivorship program helping patients navigate life after treatment

• Multidisciplinary care teams for coordinated treatment planning

• Access to Tulane's broader medical specialties for complex cases

• Participation in national clinical trial networks

• Location in New Orleans provides access to diverse specialist community

Specialties

• Breast cancer with comprehensive surgical and reconstruction options

• Lung cancer program with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities

• Gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal and pancreatic programs

• Hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplantation

• Gynecologic oncology with minimally invasive surgery expertise

• Head and neck cancer with ENT surgeon collaboration

• Precision oncology using genomic testing for treatment selection

Patient Support Areas

• Comprehensive survivorship program addressing long-term health

• Psychosocial oncology with counselors and support groups

• Nutritional counseling and cooking demonstrations for patients

• Financial counseling and assistance program navigation

• Pain management and palliative care integration

• Rehabilitation services including physical and occupational therapy

• Patient navigation to coordinate complex care across specialties

Things to Consider

• Urban New Orleans location presents parking and accessibility challenges

• Large academic medical center environment may feel overwhelming to some

• Insurance and billing through broader Tulane Health system can be complex

• Some services shared across medical center may require coordination

• Wait times for certain specialists can extend 3-4 weeks

• Advanced therapies like proton therapy not available on-site

5. Willis-Knighton Cancer Center (Shreveport)

Serving North Louisiana, Willis-Knighton Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer services with patient-centered care philosophy and commitment to bringing advanced treatments to the Shreveport region.

Strengths

• American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation ensures quality standards

• Comprehensive services in single location including medical, radiation, and surgical oncology

• Strong regional presence serving North Louisiana and surrounding states

• Advanced radiation therapy with IMRT and image-guided techniques

• Multidisciplinary tumor boards review cases weekly

• Patient-centered approach with emphasis on comfort and communication

• Convenient access for residents of Shreveport and surrounding region

Specialties

• Breast cancer comprehensive program with screening through treatment

• Lung cancer with screening programs and advanced surgical options

• Prostate cancer treatment including radiation and surgical approaches

• Colorectal cancer with colonoscopy and comprehensive surgical care

• Hematology and blood cancer treatments

• Gynecologic cancer services with specialized surgical team

• Skin cancer treatment including Mohs surgery

Patient Support Areas

• Patient navigation services to guide treatment journey

• Support groups for various cancer types and caregivers

• Nutritional counseling integrated into treatment plans

• Social work services for emotional and practical support

• Financial counseling to address treatment costs

• Wig boutique and appearance-related support programs

• Palliative care consultations for symptom management

Things to Consider

• Not NCI-designated, limiting access to most innovative research trials

• Primarily serves Shreveport area, less convenient for other parts of Louisiana

• Clinical trial portfolio smaller than academic comprehensive centers

• Some rare or complex cancers may benefit from consultation at NCI centers

• Advanced therapies like immunotherapy may have limited availability

• Subspecialty oncology expertise more limited than large academic centers

6. CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center (Alexandria)

Located in Central Louisiana, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care with faith-based approach, serving patients in a region with limited other options.

Strengths

• Only comprehensive cancer center in Central Louisiana providing local access

• Part of CHRISTUS Health system ensuring quality standards

• American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation

• Comprehensive services including medical oncology, radiation, and surgery

• Faith-based care philosophy provides spiritual support alongside medical treatment

• Multidisciplinary approach with weekly tumor boards

• Community focus with strong local relationships

Specialties

• Breast cancer screening and comprehensive treatment

• Lung cancer with diagnostic and treatment capabilities

• Colorectal cancer screening and surgical care

• Prostate cancer treatment options

• Gynecologic cancer services

• Hematology and blood disorder treatments

• Radiation oncology with modern linear accelerator technology

Patient Support Areas

• Patient-centered care with emphasis on individual needs

• Social work and counseling services

• Support groups for patients and families

• Nutritional counseling integrated into treatment

• Financial counseling and assistance program navigation

• Spiritual care services as part of CHRISTUS mission

• Care coordination with other CHRISTUS Health facilities

Things to Consider

• Smaller program with fewer specialized cancer services than academic centers

• Clinical trial availability limited compared to NCI or NCORP centers

• Complex or rare cancers may require referral to larger centers

• Single location in Alexandria requires travel for many Central Louisiana residents

• Advanced technologies like proton therapy not available

• Subspecialty expertise in rare cancers may be limited

7. St. Tammany Health System Cancer Center (Covington)

Affiliated with Ochsner Health, St. Tammany Health System Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care to Louisiana's Northshore region with access to Ochsner's broader resources and expertise.

Strengths

• Affiliation with Ochsner Health provides access to advanced resources

• Convenient Northshore location serves St. Tammany Parish residents

• Access to Ochsner-MD Anderson protocols and expertise

• Comprehensive cancer services in community setting

• Modern facility with advanced diagnostic and treatment technology

• Multidisciplinary care coordinated with Ochsner network

• Ability to refer complex cases to Ochsner New Orleans campus

Specialties

• Breast cancer screening and treatment with Ochsner protocols

• Lung cancer comprehensive care

• Gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal programs

• Prostate and urologic cancer treatments

• Gynecologic oncology services

• Radiation oncology with image-guided therapy

• Access to Ochsner clinical trials through network

Patient Support Areas

• Patient navigation through Ochsner Cancer Institute network

• Support groups for patients and caregivers

• Nutritional counseling services

• Financial counseling and insurance assistance

• Psychosocial support and counseling

• Connection to Ochsner's comprehensive support services

• Palliative care through integrated Ochsner network

Things to Consider

• Some specialized services may require travel to Ochsner New Orleans

• Advanced therapies like CAR T-cell only available at main Ochsner campus

• Network coordination means some decisions made at central Ochsner level

• Insurance acceptance through Ochsner network, verify coverage

• Complex cases may be referred to larger Ochsner facilities

• Subspecialty consultations may require visits to New Orleans

8. North Oaks Cancer Center (Hammond)

Serving Louisiana's Florida Parishes region, North Oaks Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer services with multidisciplinary approach and commitment to bringing quality care to rural and suburban communities.

Strengths

• Serves Florida Parishes region with limited other cancer center options

• American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation

• Comprehensive services including medical, radiation, and surgical oncology

• Multidisciplinary tumor boards review all cancer cases

• Modern facility with advanced linear accelerator for radiation therapy

• Community hospital setting provides personal, accessible care

• Strong relationships with regional physicians for coordinated care

Specialties

• Breast cancer comprehensive program from screening to treatment

• Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment

• Prostate cancer with multiple treatment modalities

• Colorectal cancer screening and surgical care

• Gynecologic cancer services

• Hematology and chemotherapy services

• Radiation oncology with 3D conformal and IMRT capabilities

Patient Support Areas

• Patient navigation helping coordinate care journey

• Support groups meeting regularly for patients and caregivers

• Nutritional counseling available throughout treatment

• Social work services addressing practical needs

• Financial counseling for insurance and assistance programs

• Rehabilitation services through North Oaks Health System

• Palliative care consultations available

Things to Consider

• Smaller community program with fewer subspecialties than academic centers

• Clinical trial availability limited compared to larger centers

• Complex or rare cancers may require referral to New Orleans or Baton Rouge

• Single location in Hammond requires travel for many in region

• Advanced technologies like proton therapy not available

• Some specialized surgical procedures performed at larger centers

9. Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital - Cancer Center (Lafayette)

While primarily a women's and children's hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Cancer Center offers comprehensive services with particular strength in breast and gynecologic cancers, serving the Acadiana region.

Strengths

• Specialized expertise in women's cancers including breast and gynecologic

• Comprehensive breast center with screening, diagnosis, and treatment

• Women-focused care environment with specialized support services

• Serves Lafayette and surrounding Acadiana region

• Part of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

• Multidisciplinary breast cancer conferences for treatment planning

• Advanced imaging including 3D mammography and breast MRI

Specialties

• Breast cancer comprehensive care with genetic testing and counseling

• Gynecologic cancers including ovarian, uterine, and cervical

• Breast surgical oncology with reconstruction options

• Medical oncology for various cancer types

• Radiation oncology services

• High-risk breast cancer screening and prevention programs

• Hereditary cancer syndrome evaluation and management

Patient Support Areas

• Women-centered support programs and support groups

• Patient navigation for breast and gynecologic cancer patients

• Boutique with mastectomy products and wigs

• Nutritional counseling services

• Social work and counseling support

• Financial counseling and assistance

• Lymphedema prevention and treatment programs

Things to Consider

• Primary focus on women's cancers, less comprehensive for other cancer types

• Men with cancer may find environment less tailored to their needs

• Some cancer types may require referral to other facilities

• Clinical trial availability limited compared to academic centers

• Advanced therapies for non-breast/gynecologic cancers may not be available

• Single location in Lafayette serves primarily Acadiana region

10. Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center (Lake Charles)

Serving Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care with commitment to bringing advanced treatments to a region with limited other options.

Strengths

• Only comprehensive cancer center serving Southwest Louisiana region

• American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation

• Comprehensive services including medical, radiation, and surgical oncology

• Modern facility with advanced radiation therapy equipment

• Multidisciplinary approach with tumor board reviews

• Community focus with strong local physician relationships

• Convenient access for residents of Lake Charles and surrounding areas

Specialties

• Breast cancer comprehensive program including screening and treatment

• Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment

• Colorectal cancer with screening and surgical care

• Prostate cancer treatment options

• Gynecologic cancer services

• Hematology and chemotherapy services

• Radiation oncology with IMRT and image-guided therapy

Patient Support Areas

• Patient navigation services coordinating care

• Support groups for various cancer types

• Nutritional counseling throughout treatment

• Social work services for emotional and practical support

• Financial counseling addressing treatment costs

• Rehabilitation services through hospital system

• Palliative care consultations available

Things to Consider

• Geographic isolation means fewer options if second opinion desired

• Clinical trial availability limited compared to larger centers

• Complex or rare cancers may require travel to Houston or New Orleans

• Smaller program with fewer subspecialties than academic centers

• Advanced therapies like immunotherapy may have limited availability

• Single location serves large geographic area requiring travel for many

Moving Forward: Finding the Right Fit for Your Cancer Care in Louisiana

Choosing a cancer treatment center is a deeply personal decision that should balance medical expertise, convenience, clinical trial access, and personal comfort. Louisiana offers diverse options from world-class partnerships to community-focused care.

• Cancer Type Expertise: Does the center specialize in your specific cancer? Academic centers and Ochsner-MD Anderson offer the broadest expertise.

• Clinical Trial Access: For complex or advanced cancers, consider centers with NCORP membership (Mary Bird Perkins) or academic affiliations (LSU, Tulane, Ochsner-MD Anderson).

• Location and Travel: Balance specialized expertise against travel burden. Many Louisiana residents have excellent care close to home.

• Insurance and Costs: Verify insurance acceptance and explore our financial assistance resources and grants directory for funding options.

• Support Services: Comprehensive support improves quality of life. Look for navigation, counseling, nutritional services, and palliative care integration.

• Second Opinions: Don't hesitate to seek second opinions, especially for rare or complex cancers. Most Louisiana centers welcome consultation requests.

We understand that this is a challenging time, and we are here to support you. Beyond medical treatment, explore our resources for paying for cancer treatment, supporting a loved one with serious illness, and connecting with others who understand your journey.

Taking the Next Step: Empowering Your Louisiana Cancer Journey

Navigating cancer treatment in Louisiana can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Beyond choosing the right treatment center, consider exploring comprehensive resources for understanding your options and planning your care journey.