Cancer Center to Provide Next-Generation Care to Ascension Parish
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, a nationally accredited leader in radiation therapy, premiered its patient-focused renovations and new technology at a special Open House on Thursday, Oct. 1. Community physicians, local dignitaries, Cancer Center donors and members of the business community toured the newly renovated building and learned about the revolutionary Agility from Elekta, one of the most advanced cancer treatment systems available. Mary Bird Perkins and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales have partnered for years to provide high quality cancer services in Ascension Parish.
“The addition of Agility to our cancer-fighting arsenal further demonstrates Mary Bird Perkins’ long-standing dedication to provide cancer patients in Ascension Parish access to the most leading-edge technology and treatment available,” said Todd Stevens, the Cancer Center’s president and CEO. Also available to patients are vital on-site services accessed by many during their cancer journey, including include nutritional and social services, as well as patient financial counseling.
Stevens thanked all those in attendance for their support. “I ask that you continue standing with us where together, bound by our mission, we will be unrelenting in our commitment to fight a disease that demands we always do more.”
Tours were available immediately following the program. Medical physicist, Daniel Neck, explained how the integration of Agility with Elekta’s Infinity linear accelerator (radiation delivery system) sets a new standard for speed and precision in radiation therapy
“Treatment times are even shorter than before, resulting in increased patient comfort and convenience,” said Neck, a member of Mary Bird Perkins’ renowned medical physics team that provides ongoing support for this advanced technology. Neck said the new technology enhances has the ability to deliver high-definition radiation beams for both small and large, complex targets. “It does so with exquisite conformance to tumor size, shape and volume for the treatment of traditionally challenging cases. This gives the center’s highly experienced radiation oncologists the best possible options for personalized radiation treatments and the greatest opportunity for patients to beat cancer.”
Also available for viewing was the Cancer Center’s low-dose spiral CT scanner, part of the specialized lung cancer screening program now available to the Ascension community.
PET/CT technologist, Patrick Adams, described how the CT scanner is used the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk individuals.
The Open House included the announcement of the first annual Gonzales Gala benefitting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Set for Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, La., the public is invited to call (225) 215-1208 for more information.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 40 years. With five centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.