Cancer

As a decades-long leader in cancer treatment, we combine the expertise of outstanding specialists and nurses with the most advanced technology.

When it comes to cancer, we take comprehensive care seriously. Not only do our patients have access to an expert team of specialists from all disciplines, state-of-the-art technology and the latest information about clinical trials, we also provide after-care, education and support — all under one roof at the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center. That’s why we’re able to treat 98 percent of all cancers at our treatment center.

The SMH Regional Cancer Center is recognized by the Commission on Cancer from the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Community Hospital Cancer Program. Fewer than half of all hospitals in the United States receive this top designation.

What does this mean for our patients?

Cutting-Edge Technology

SMH Radiation Oncologists are proficient in Stereotactic Body Radiation Treatment (SBRT), a revolutionary, high-dose radiation aimed at different angles to target tumors with precision while minimizing damage to healthy cells, to treat lung and liver cancers. SBRT has similar cure rates to surgery with much lower morbidity/mortality rates; for some patients, SBRT can be used instead of surgery. 

SMH brought the first image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system to Louisiana. IGRT can target tumors precisely without damaging nearby healthy tissue. Higher doses of radiation can be delivered directly to tumor cells, while normal tissues are better protected.

The IGRT at the SMH Regional Cancer Center is powered with RapidArc technology, a breakthrough in the delivery of targeted radiation, so your treatment is effective, precise and fast. The treatments are so rapid that each session lasts just a few minutes, and they don’t require the recovery time required for more invasive procedures.

Our robust screening program for breast cancer includes 3D mammography to aid in early detection. 

Innovative Treatments

Through our partnership with Ochsner Health System, our patients have access to ongoing clinical trials. For more than 70 years, Ochsner has been dedicated to cancer research and new cancer treatment development — and offers more clinical trials than anywhere else in the region. Located inside the cancer center, the Ochsner Health Center – Robert Boulevard clinic houses the Comprehensive Breast Program, which seeks to cut down the time that patients wait for a cancer treatment plan. This clinic brings together the entire team of treating physicians and care providers, from both SMH and Ochsner, into one collaborative office space designed specifically for this comprehensive purpose.

Support

In the fight against cancer, we stand with our patients every step of the way. We offer a host of resources, support programs, care packages, free screenings and more, including:

• Oncology­ Nurse Navigator
• Oncology Resource Coordinator
• Dietitian
• Cancer Resource Library
• St. Tammany Cancer Fund Lori Hoffman Van Matre Appearance Center
• Bra Fitting Room
• Chemotherapy Care Package Bags
• Radiation Oncology Care Package Bags
• Community support groups
• Screenings