Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment in Zachary. Thanks to its partnership with the Baton Rouge General, the Cancer Center is now providing radiation oncology services at Lane Regional Medical Center. 

“Partnerships are the Mary Bird Perkins way,” says Jodi Conachen, Zachary resident and Chief Operating Officer of Mary Bird Perkins. 

Mary Bird Perkins recently installed motion management equipment specifically for breast cancer treatment on Lane’s campus. The technology uses breath-hold techniques, developed at Mary Bird Perkins and now used around the world, to minimize damage to surrounding tissues and organs during radiation therapy. This approach exemplifies the Center’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered care. “Zachary is now one of the top places for breast cancer care,” says Conachen. 

Physician-scientist Dr. Victor Lin has propelled Mary Bird Perkins’ clinical research program to one of the best in the Gulf South, giving patients in Zachary and surrounding areas access to leading-edge phase 1 clinical trials, previously only seen in much bigger cities. The Mary Bird Perkins network also gives patients at Lane access to care at partnering facilities, such as Woman’s Hospital and Baton Rouge General, for surgery.

While Louisiana’s breast cancer rates are comparable to those in other states, we have a higher death rate. Conachen says that’s due to screening and access to care. “Breast cancer, when detected at Stage 1, is extremely treatable and curable,” she says. To bring screening services to the community, Mary Bird Perkins has its ‘Prevention on the Go’ mobile medical unit for community outreach. The program brings cancer screenings directly to the community, offering free initial screenings for five types of cancer: breast, skin, oral cavity, prostate, and colon. The program has carried out over 115,000 screenings in the past decade and detected over 800 cancers. For those diagnosed, Mary Bird ensures a seamless handoff to follow-up care through its patient navigation program.

For more information, please visit marybird.org.