Cancer Services

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. 

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.

Cutting-Edge Technology

SMH Radiation Oncology treatments are prescribed by board-certified radiation oncologists proficient in analyzing emerging clinical trials to keep the SMH Regional Cancer Center at the cutting edge of cancer therapy. Our physicians work with patients and caregivers to outline a sound, often multidisciplinary oncologic care plan. The role of radiation therapy is expanding with our physicians consulting on all types and stages of cancer care.

The Radiation Oncology department utilizes the latest advancements in this rapidly evolving field, including precise delivery of high-dose treatments, resulting in shorter patient treatment courses. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) are employed to deliver ablative doses to tumors within the lung, liver, brain, spine, bones and other sites with results similar to surgery but without the operative risks and recovery time.

Modern treatment planning and delivery techniques, such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and RapidArc permit quicker, more targeted treatments. Advanced immobilization devices, detailed treatment preparation protocols and 4D CT-based simulations with respiratory gating (such as Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold or DIBH) set the stage for more effective therapies with less risk to

Innovative Treatments

Through our partnership with Ochsner Health, 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 Comprehensive Cancer Care 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. 

Cancer Support Services at SMH 

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 navigation team
• Oncology resource coordinator
• Dietitian
• Social worke
• Appearance center
• Bra fitting room
• Chemotherapy care package bags
• Radiation oncology care package bags
• Community support groups
• Screenings