In Louisiana, more people are diagnosed with — and die from — cancer compared to the rest of the country. In particular, the incidence and mortality rates of breast, colorectal, and lung cancer exceed the national rates, despite these being some of the most common – and most deadly – cancers in the US. And while cervical cancer is not as common as some of the other cancers across the US, its incidence and mortality rates in Louisiana exceed the national rates.

Age-Adjusted Cancer Mortality Rates in Louisiana and the US (per 100,000 people)

	Louisiana	US
Breast	22.4	19.6
Cervical	3.0	2.2
Colon and Rectal	15.6	13.1
Lung and Bronchus	43.5	35

Cancer, along with other types of chronic diseases, is not only treatable, but it's also preventable. At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we’re committed to increasing screening rates and reducing known factors that increase the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. 

LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center has partnered with community organizations to engage with patients where they live and work – and where education and awareness will have the most impact. With face-to-face interactions with trusted healthcare professionals, Louisianians can learn how to take control of their health through cancer prevention, screening, and early diagnosis. 

Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs  

The Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs (LCP), which is located at LSU Health New Orleans’ School of Public Health, is a product of the success of many programs before it. 

Dating back to 1990 with the passing of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act, which led to the creation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) – a program that promotes cervical and breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services – the LCP focuses on reducing the prevalence and death rates of not only breast cancer but all cancers that can be prevented or detected early, including cervical and other HPV-related cancers, colorectal, and tobacco-related cancers, including lung. 

The LCP, in partnership with LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and other organizations committed to reducing the impact of cancer in Louisiana, offers programs such as: 

• Louisiana Breast & Cervical Health Program, which offers free mammograms and Pap tests for women in Louisiana who qualify. Services also include education and navigation services. 
• Screen Up, which is dedicated to improving the screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers in Louisiana communities by supporting primary care clinics and health systems
• Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, which is an internal program that created Louisiana’s 5-year State Cancer Plan and funds initiatives across the state
• Louisiana Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, which is committed to increasing screening rates for colorectal cancer through policy improvements
• Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition, which is a grassroots organization dedicated to reducing tobacco use and obesity by changing policies and systems in Louisiana

The LCP also works with Federally Qualified Health Centers and rural health centers to connect with Louisianians eligible for cancer screenings. 

At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we also utilize our partnership with the LCP to increase awareness about clinical trials, including for cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Along with the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC), other current areas of research include self-sampling for cervical cancer screening (such as at home, in community settings, and in primary care offices) and triaging patients with a high risk of colorectal cancer to reduce wait times for necessary screenings. 

Tobacco-Free Living 

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) focuses on preventing tobacco use, promoting services to aid in quitting smoking, eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke, and reducing the impact of cancers related to tobacco use. 

1 out of every 3 Louisianians who lose their lives from cancer, do so from lung cancer.

In partnership with the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, the TFL promotes these efforts using research about cancer prevention and treatment. This helps dictate policy changes that reduce tobacco use in Louisiana. 

The goals of the TFL are to:

• Keep young people in Louisiana from starting any tobacco use.
• Aid current smokers in quitting.
• Reduce and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Find and eliminate disparities related to cancer and tobacco. 
• Coordinate tobacco control and prevention initiatives across Louisiana 

Other current areas of research include conducting patient behavior change to increase implementation of tobacco use treatment and mentoring next generation researchers, such as high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. 

Engaging With Communities to Reduce the Impact of Cancer in Louisiana

People spend most of their lives in the communities in which they live and work. Within these communities is where the most change can be made regarding people’s lifestyle choices and their willingness to engage in cancer prevention and early diagnosis strategies. 

LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center’s partnerships with Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs and Tobacco-Free Living helps promote patient engagement, awareness, and action. By connecting with communities throughout the state, together we can improve the health of all Louisianians.