A New Lease on Life: Larry’s Journey Through Esophageal Cancer Surgery
At 80 years old, Larry Boudreaux thought he had his health figured out. So when he began feeling unusually tired, the Thibodaux native assumed it was related to his diabetes. But within weeks, he started having trouble swallowing, the first sign that something more serious might be going on. “I went to an ENT because…
The Meaning of Cancer Survivorship at St. Dominic
Cancer survivorship doesn’t begin when the last treatment ends. It begins the moment a person hears the words, “You have…
Esophageal Cancer: What You Need to Know
Esophageal cancer is a serious and often silent disease, but with awareness and early action, outcomes can improve. Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, a thoracic surgeon with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, recently shared his expertise on this complex and often silent disease during a recent episode of Medical Monday with Brian Haldane.What Is Esophageal Cancer? “Esophageal…
Understanding Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers may make up a small percentage of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S., but when they…
Hope, Healing and Excellence in Cancer Surgery
In the world of cancer care, surgery can be one of the most hopeful turning points for a patient. It’s…
Gonzales woman overcomes rectal cancer with fighting spirit, family support and finding care close to home
In some ways, Alison Teal wasn’t shocked when she learned she had Stage 3 rectal cancer in the summer of 2022. Both of Teal’s parents, as well as two brothers, had gone through their own bouts with various forms of the disease. Teal always had a nagging feeling she may eventually develop breast cancer, which…
Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment
When battling cancer, the importance of proper nutrition can’t be overstated. As cancer treatments take a toll on the body, adequate nutrition can help patients maintain strength, manage side effects and support overall well-being. Allison Junca, RDN, CSO, LDN, clinical dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition at Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, shares…
Geaux Hero: Kendall’s Journey from Cancer Diagnosis to Advocacy
For Kendall Stephens, Spanish Town isn’t just a parade — it’s family. The pink flamingo-filled streets, the quirky, beloved Mardi Gras parade and the tight-knit community that rallies around one another became her lifeline when she needed it most. When Kendall was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her community didn’t just cheer her on. They showed…
Comprehensive Cancer Care in Northeast Louisiana
St. Francis Medical Center has embarked on a journey to revolutionize cancer care in Northeast Louisiana. With an investment of nearly $4 million in 2022, the medical center has renovated its Cancer Center building at 411 Calypso St., establishing a comprehensive cancer care center that promises to deliver exceptional care. Expert Care, Close to Home…
A Voice for Awareness: Bryce’s Journey with Colorectal Cancer
Bryce Ramsey knows the importance of listening to her body. A nurse with 16 years of experience, she was no…
Advancing Cancer Care for the Gulf South: A Life-Saving Milestone
A routine checkup led to Ed Carruthers’ multiple myeloma diagnosis. His journey to recovery and a milestone 50th wedding anniversary…
The Screening That Could Save Your Life
When it comes to preventive care, we may think of annual checkups, vaccines and managing blood pressure. But one of the most important – and often overlooked – screenings is for colorectal cancer. Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., but it is also one…
Geaux Hero: Sheryl Miller’s Unstoppable Spirit
Sheryl Miller thought it was just stomach pain. As a registered dental hygienist for nearly 37 years, she was used…
Protecting the Heart While Fighting Cancer
When facing cancer, patients and their doctors focus on beating the disease. But what happens when the very treatments that…
Understanding Gynecologic Cancers: Prevention, Treatment & Hope
The fear that accompanies a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, casting a shadow over your life. The uncertainty and anxiety can be as challenging as the disease itself. Christy Haygood, MD, gynecologic oncology surgeon at St. Dominic Gynecologic Oncology Associates, understands this deeply. Her work is dedicated to transforming that fear into hope through the…
Geaux Hero: Geralynn’s Fight Against Cervical Cancer
In 2021, severe stomach pains sent Geralynn Brown to the hospital, where she received life-altering news: stage 4 cervical cancer. …
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Learn about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer to better know what to look out for early on.
A Comprehensive Approach to Navigating Lung Cancer
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., making early detection crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates. The most effective strategy for combating lung cancer starts with prevention — primarily through avoiding smoking or quitting if you are a smoker. Our health system is at the forefront of diagnosing…
Assessing Your Risk for Lung Cancer
Learn from the experts about how to understand your risk for lung cancer.
Advanced Lung Cancer Technology Saves Lives
Learn about how the latest technologies are improving how lung cancer is treated.
Finding Strength Together: How Camp Bluebird Uplifts Cancer Survivors
For cancer survivors like Betty Johnson, Camp Bluebird is more than just a retreat — it is a lifeline, a source of healing and a place of lasting connections. Twice each year, campers gather to share stories, celebrate victories and find hope together in an environment filled with love and support. With support from the…
Geaux Hero: Tina Labatut Overcoming Breast Cancer with Strength and Grace
Tina Labatut, RN, BSN, OCN, began her journey with breast cancer just before Christmas 2022. As the director of operations for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group at LSU Health, overseeing multiple clinics and departments, Tina’s schedule was already demanding, but she took her health seriously. Just days after a routine breast exam during…
St. Dominic Comprehensive Cancer Program: A Story of Firsts for Central Mississippi
Since 1988, St. Dominic Comprehensive Cancer Program has introduced some of the most promising, leading-edge treatment options available right here…
Louisiana Tennis Coach Recovering from Pancreatic Cancer
Shelby Graciana had spent her whole life as a successful athlete. From the time she was a teen, Graciana was a star on the tennis court, at one point ranking as the top tennis player in Louisiana. More recently, Graciana has worked as a tennis coach in South Louisiana, passing on her talent and love…
Lafayette Man Credits ‘Angel’ Physician at Our Lady of the Lake with Helping Him Overcome Rare Cancer
Brandon Finley had always struggled with sinus problems. The recurring infections and congestion were annoying but never prevented him from going about his life. However, they kept showing up into adulthood, even appearing in CT scans after Finley sustained concussions as a college and professional soccer player. Still, Finley was able to live his life…
Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute Pioneers Care in Baton Rouge with Accredited Expertise and Innovative Technology
Each day, physicians in Baton Rouge work side by side and in collaboration with national experts to advance cancer care for Louisiana patients. Through their work, Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute has become a regional destination for treatment. With multiple national accreditations, the Cancer Institute has proven time and again that its…
National Certification Recognizes Our Lady of the Lake Health as a Regional Leader in Rectal Cancer Treatment
Our Lady of the Lake Health is maintaining its status as Louisiana’s first healthcare institution with an official accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) in recognition of its high-quality care for rectal cancer. The hospital was first awarded the accreditation in 2019. The program was launched by the nationwide Commission on…
The Benefits of Lymphedema Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Learn about the signs of colorectal cancer to better understand how it can affect you.
What You Should Know About the Signs of Colorectal Cancer
Learn about the signs of colorectal cancer to better understand how it can affect you.
With Colorectal Cancer Screenings, 45 is the New 50
The older you get, the more necessary screenings are for certain health conditions. In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered recommendations for colorectal cancer screenings from 50 years old to 45 — meaning the work of prevention starts a little earlier. The reason for the age change is that data was starting to show an…
Are At-Home Colorectal Cancer Screenings Effective?
Discover just how effective at-home screenings for colorectal cancer really are.
Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute Performs Appleby Surgery for Gastric Cancer
This rare surgery provides new hope for patients with aggressive cancers. Mo Al Efishat, MD, FSSO, surgical oncologist at Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, has performed the rare Appleby surgery to treat patients with gastric cancer. Dr. Al Efishat was able to remove all of the patient’s cancer with negative margins and the…
Expert Advice for Your Breast Health
Breast health demands ongoing awareness and diligence. Sweekriti Adhikari, DO, medical oncologist hematologist with Our Lady of Lourdes J.D. Moncus Cancer Center, shares valuable insights on breast cancer, its risk factors and proactive strategies for your breast health. Multiple Diagnoses: Uncommon But Not Impossible Three-time cancer survivor Trudy Malbrough stands as a testament to human…
Geaux Hero: Rose Marie Fife is on a Mission After Breast and Lung Cancer Diagnoses
No one ever needed to tell Rose Marie Fife to get an annual cancer screening. Her mother died of breast cancer at 74, so she consistently includes mammograms into her annual routine. But in 2006, her doctors found a lump indicating stage 1 breast cancer. She was 52 at the time and opted to have…
Breast Density: Know Your Body and Your Breast Cancer Risk
Knowing whether you have dense breasts can help you better understand your risk of breast cancer. New rules from the Food and Drug Administration empower women to make informed decisions about breast health by requiring mammography facilities to notify patients about their breast density. Defining Breast Density Breasts contain fibrous tissue for support, glandular tissue…
Are There Foods That Cause Cancer? Here’s What You Need to Know
Carcinogens, or substances that can cause cancer, are all around us. They’re in cigarettes and secondhand tobacco smoke, in the exhaust from diesel trucks, and in chemicals commonly found in industrial jobs. But are there really carcinogens in the food you eat — that is, are there foods that cause cancer? And can other foods…
Prioritize Your Digestive Health: Comprehensive Colon and Rectal Care
If you think a colonoscopy is bad you really don’t want colon cancer. Thankfully, with regular screenings most colon cancer can be prevented. Colonoscopies can also help with other non-cancerous digestive conditions. Kelly Finan, MD, and Asif Talukder, MD, Board Certified colon and rectal surgeons with Our Lady of the Lake Health, continue our conversation…
Empower Yourself: Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment Explained
Although it’s not the prettiest topic, it’s crucial to talk about colorectal care. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Matthew Boudreaux, MD, colon and rectal surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, helps us understand colorectal cancer and its prevention and treatment.Don’t Wait…
How Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute’s Research Helped Bring New Treatment for Endometrial Cancer Patients
For patients receiving treatment for late-stage endometrial cancer at Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, they now have a new standard of care that could greatly enhance the likelihood of remission and recovery. A clinical research trial conducted in part by Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute oncologist Sobia Ozair, MD, found that…
How Cancer Treatment Affects Our Body’s Response to Sun Exposure
This summer, if you or a loved one receive cancer treatment, know how your body’s response to sun exposure may be different than usual. Cancer’s effects on sun exposure depend on the type of cancer you have. People who have been diagnosed with melanoma or another skin cancer are at an increased risk of developing…
The Basics of Head and Neck Cancer
There are many different types of cancers, and most of them are straightforward in their names: Lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, etc. But, head and neck cancer can be confusing because of how broad it seems. Defining Head and Neck Cancer When oncologists discuss head and neck cancers, they refer to a variety of…
Immunotherapy: How Does It Treat Cancer?
Your immune system is a powerful force—and it can defend you against cancer. The immune system can keep some cancers from forming or growing quickly by destroying cancer cells. The problem, however, is that these cells can use a variety of methods to evade or hinder your immune cells, allowing cancer to grow and spread.…
Overcoming Breast Cancer Day by Day
Brooke LeBlanc was only 30 years old when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, despite having no family history of…
Lourdes Team ‘Like Family’ for Head and Neck Cancer Patient
Daniel Seymour had visited doctor after doctor, dentist after dentist for a debilitating problem with his jaw. “I had trouble for about a year and a half,” he says. “It felt like my jaw was tightening up. Every doctor and dentist said it was TMJ. It got to the point that I could not open…
Test Your Knowledge With Our Colon Cancer Quiz
Take a few moments to find out how much you know about colon cancer and how it affect people.
Cancer Screenings Throughout Your Body
Take a few moments to learn about the different ways cancer can be detected throughout your body. Early detection is valuable in getting you the care you need as soon as possible. Next time you’re speaking with your primary care provider, discuss your cancer-related concerns and if a screening may be right for you. Because…
Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer Through Screening
Screening is integral in the early detection of cervical cancer. Learn why, here.
Regular Screenings Detect Lung Cancer, Saving Her Life
After five decades of smoking, Tana Allain was hesitant to go in for her first lung cancer screening. But regular…
Breast Cancer Myths – Busted
Learn the facts about breast cancer from the experts at the National Cancer Institute.
Lifestyle Changes to Decrease the Chance of Breast Cancer
It’s important for people to know how their lifestyle can affect their health. Learn some lifestyle tips on how to…
The Signs of Breast Cancer
Learn about the signs of breast cancer and how to perform a self examination. Regular self exams and screenings can…
What’s Next? Life After Breast Cancer
Learn about how life after breast cancer is and what you can do to help yourself stay healthy following such…
Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Screenings and Prevention
Learn about what ovarian cancer is and what women can do to prevent it.
The 3 Major Types of Skin Cancer
Learn about the different types of common skin cancer and how they differ.
