At the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, our focus is not on a single designation. It is on building a cancer center that delivers meaningful, measurable impact for patients and communities across Louisiana and the Gulf South. 

Every day, our researchers, clinicians, and community partners work together to advance discovery, expand access to care, and improve cancer outcomes in a state that continues to face some of the nation’s highest cancer rates. That work is grounded in collaboration, data-driven science, and a deep commitment to addressing health inequities where the need is greatest.

National benchmarks matter, but only because they reflect the standards required to sustain this level of impact.

What National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designation Represents

National Cancer Institute designation is the highest federal recognition for excellence in cancer research, clinical care, and community engagement. It recognizes cancer centers that demonstrate:

• A strong integrated research enterprise
• Multidisciplinary collaboration across basic, clinical, and population sciences
• Meaningful enagement with communities they serve
• The ability to translate discovery into improved patient outcomes 

For patients and communities, NCI designation signals access to advanced research, innovative therapies, and nationally recognized standards of care. For institutions, it reflects the strength, sustainability, and impact of the cancer center’s work.   

A Unified Approach to Cancer Research and Care

In February 2022, LSU and LCMC Health came together to form a unified cancer center aligning academic research, clinical care, and community engagement under a single, coordinated enterprise. This integration strengthened our ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutions, accelerate discovery, and deliver care that reflects the needs of Louisiana’s diverse populations.  Since that time, the Cancer Center has continued to expand: 

• Multidisciplinary research programs spanning translational oncology, cancer biology and population sciences
• Clinical trials infrastructure that brings cutting edge therapies closer to home through the Gulf South Clinical Trials Network
• Data-driven initiatives, including the Louisiana Tumor Registry, to inform prevention and treatment strategies statewide
• Community outreach partnerships designd to increase screenings and build trust

This work is foundational to how the Cancer Center operates. 

Serving Louisiana as our Catchment Area

The National Cancer Institute defines the Cancer Center’s catchment area as the entire state of Louisiana. This responsibility shapes every aspect of our mission.

We focus our efforts on populations experiencing the greatest cancer burden, using science, real-time data, and trusted community partnerships to improve prevention, early detection, and access to care. Our research priorities, clinical programs, and outreach strategies are intentionally aligned to reflect the realities of the communities we serve.  

NCI Designation as Validation, Not a Finish Line

Pursuing NCI designation reflects our commitment to meeting the highest national standards for cancer research and care. But it is not the endpoint of our work. The infrastructure, collaboration, and culture required for NCI designation are the same elements needed to sustain long-term progress against cancer in Louisiana. Whether through expanded clinical trials, precision medicine, workforce development, or community-engaged research, the Cancer Center is focused on building lasting capacity that benefits patients today and for generations to come.

Our Vision

We are building a cancer center defined not by a single milestone, but by enduring impact.

Through discovery, collaboration, and compassion, the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is advancing cancer research and care that is nationally competitive, locally grounded, and deeply committed to improving outcomes for all Louisianans.