2022 Baton Rouge Business Report Cancer Connection

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2022

CANCER

CONNECTION Resources and information on cancer prevention, treatments, programs, statistics, and testimonials

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The two leading cancer care centers in Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center are lighting a brighter path for cancer treatment in Louisiana, making it easier for patients to receive the highest quality care close to home.

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NAVIGATING YOUR CANCER JOURNEY

I

t’s hard to know where to turn after a cancer diagnosis—your family, friends, and medical team will suddenly become your most important allies. Even so, you’ll need help finding your way through the maze of doctor’s appointments, treatments, and hospital stays that may lie ahead.

It’s critical that you stay in close touch with your physician, keep all of your appointments, and research resources available through your hospital, clinic, physician’s office, and local cancer support agencies (See Local Resources below). They can provide information on: • Adjusting to life with cancer • Nutritional care • Emotional support • Financial & insurance matters • Managing anxiety/depression • Clinical trial participation

• Patient navigation services • Counseling options • Caregiver advice • Logistics (lodging/ transportation)

LOCAL RESOURCES • American Cancer Society (cancer.org) • Hematology/Oncology Clinic (hocbr.com) • Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute (OLOLRMC.com) • Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center (brgeneral.org) • Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge (cancerservices.org) • Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs (louisianacancer.org) • Mary Bird Cancer Center (marybird.org) • Ochsner Health System (ochsner.org) • Pennington Biomedical Research Center (pbrc.edu) • Woman’s Cancer Pavilion (womans.org)

WHAT NOW? According to Cancer Services of Baton Rouge, about 4,000 people (of all ages) in the Greater Baton Rouge area will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Talk with your physician about patient navigator services, which will help you make the decisions that are best for you or your loved one.

SUPPORT MEDICAL RESEARCH Clinical trials are vital in guiding scientists as they research new ways to diagnose, detect and treat diseases and medical conditions. Some are designed to test new drugs or devices, while others focus on procedures and treatment methods. Participating in a clinical trial is a way to help support medical research today and in the future. Pennington Biomedical Research Center is just one center that conducts many types of clinical trials, including several for cancer. Go to pbrc.edu/clinicaltrials for more information.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LOUISIANA’S LARGEST CANCER CARE ORGANIZATION Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, caring for more patients each year than any other facility in the region. Our team of oncologists provides world-class care close to home, utilizing the most-precise diagnostic imaging and radiation technology, advanced chemotherapy and medical oncology services, national clinical trials, genetic testing and palliative care, so you can triumph over cancer. cancer

MEET THE TEAM R. SCOTT BERMUDEZ, M.D.

BRYAN BIENVENU, M.D.

CONSTANCE BLUNT, M.D.

ANDRÉ BONNECAZE, M.D.

ASHLEY BROWN, M.D.

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

JAMES CARINDER, D.O., F.A.C.P

KATHERINE CASTLE, M.D.

ANDREW ELSON, M.D.

DAVID HANSON, M.D., F.A.C.P

GREGORY HENKELMANN, M.D.

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

LAUREN JUNEJA, M.D.

SANJAY JUNEJA, M.D.

MAURICE KING, JR., M.D.

KONSTANTIN KOVTUN, M.D.

DANIEL LAVIE, M.D.

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

FAIZAN MALIK, M.D.

GENEVIEVE MARONGE, M.D.

DIVYANG MEHTA, M.D.

JACK SAUX, III M.D.

CLINICAL RESEARCH & GENETICS

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

KELLIE SCHMEECKLE, M.D.

DERRICK SPELL, M.D.

WILLIAM VARNADO, M.D.

JINGYA WANG, M.D.

CHARLES WOOD, M.D.

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

VICTOR LIN, M.D., PhD

To schedule an appointment, call (225) 398-8390 or visit marybird.org

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WHAT’S NEW IN CANCER TREATMENT?

T

hanks to clinical trials, ongoing research and advanced technology, local hospitals and cancer programs continue to offer cutting-edge treatments and procedures for patients of all ages in

Greater Baton Rouge.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBP) has a new advanced clinical research program to reduce the clinical trials team’s administrative burden of setting up trials, freeing up time to spend with research participants and conduct outreach, especially in underserved communities.

MBP’s new genetics clinic on Essen Lane offers testing and counseling to determine inherited mutations in cancer-related genes that could be passed on, and tests to determine the best treatment options, tailored to an individual’s unique needs. Renowned oncologist, researcher, and educator Dr. Victor T.G. Lin, MD, Ph.D has joined the MBP Cancer Center to lead the clinical research program and genetics services.

Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center is among the first in the nation to offer a new technology that will offer faster and fewer treatments for patients with brain lesions requiring radiation. Integrated with the linear accelerator, the technology reduces treatment time for brain cancer patients from 30 minutes per lesion to seven minutes to treat multiple lesions.

According to its website, Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute is the first hospital in the region to provide hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment for patients with certain cancers of the abdomen. With a 5-year survival rate as high as 90% for certain tumors, HIPEC provides some patients with inoperable or late-stage cancers an option besides hospice care.

Aside from medical and surgical care, the facility provides a chemotherapy/infusion center with dedicated pharmacy; advanced imaging and diagnostics; multidisciplinary disease sitespecific clinics; palliative care and more.

(See Cancer Treatment next page) Linear accelerator

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CANCER TREATMENT

(continued)

Ochsner Cancer Center in Baton

to regularly be screened for active

Rouge is offering a new blood test to

cancer cells along with their annual

indicate if a patient currently has

physical, helping detect and treat

cancer. The Galleri test from GRAIL

aggressive cancers earlier.

is still awaiting FDA approval so is

Cancer specialists at the Woman’s

not yet covered by insurance, but a

Cancer Pavilion are teaming up to

clinical study showed its ability to

offer combined immunotherapy

detect more than 50 types of cancer,

and/or chemotherapy and breast-

45 of which lack recommended

sparing surgery for triple negative

screening tests. The test has a false

breast cancer patients.

positive rate under 1% and can predict

“Many patients say they look

where cancer originated with 89%

better after the surgery than before,”

accuracy.

says Dr. Mindy Bowie, breast surgical

Ochsner’s Dr. Marc Matrana, MD,

oncologist at Woman’s Cancer

MS, FACP, says the blood test is not

Pavilion. “To be able to look and feel

a predictor of genetic predisposition

like a woman after cancer is invaluable

to cancer, but he is hopeful that in

for a patient’s mental stability.”

the near future it will allow patients

Cancer care and clinical trials close to home.

Another reason to see us first.

A DIVISION OF AMERICAN ONCOLOGY PARTNERS, P.A.

By bringing both cancer care and research under one roof, we’re able to provide our patients with the most innovative treatment options that are personalized for each patient. Offering more than 35 clinical trials across many different cancer types, patients benefit from convenient access to cuttingedge cancer therapies without the need and cost to travel out of town or out of state.

Alexandria 605 Medical Center Drive, Suite B Baton Rouge 8595 Picardy Avenue, Suite 110 Zachary 1673 East Mount Pleasant Drive, Suite F-102 Michael J. Castine, III, MD

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Pavani Ellipeddi, MD

Christopher Miles McCanless, MD

Gerald Patrick Miletello, MD

For more information, visit HOCBR.com

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EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

A

wareness—of your

regularly, know your family’s

body, of your family

medical history, and talk to

history, and of cancer

your physician about specific

symptoms in general—could

cancer screenings and when

literally save your life. So pay

you should get them.

attention to anything that

• Breast cancer: Doctors vary

might be a red flag where your

in their recommendations

health is concerned. It could

for when you should start

• Colorectal cancer: Everyone

be a lump in your breast, a

getting mammograms. By

should get a colonoscopy to

scan for lung cancer.

persistent cough, a change

age 40, you should have this

screen for colorectal cancer

• Skin cancer: Everyone

in your vision, a discoloration

discussion with your doctor

beginning at age 45.

on your skin, or a recurring

and follow his/her advice.

headache. These symptoms

• Cervical cancer: Women

• Prostate cancer: Men should talk to their doctor at

can be attributed to many

should start screening for

age 50 about whether to get

things, so chances are

cervical cancer at about age

tested for prostate cancer.

you’re fine. But check it out

25, and should have a pap

anyway. Examine your body

test every 3 to 5 years.

• Lung cancer: Smokers and former smokers should talk

to their doctor about a CT

should see a dermatologist each year to check for moles or unusual spots.

Note: Screening recommendations may change if you have a family history of cancer. Be sure to talk to your doctor.

Cancer Metabolism Research Program "Our research will create a world where no one develops or dies from a cancer that is caused by obesity, diabetes, poor nutrition, or physical inactivity. The future of cancer care is born in Baton Rouge."

-Dr. Justin Brown Director of the Cancer Metabolism Program Pennington Biomedical Research Center

www.pbrc.edu/cancer Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, August 2022

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CANCER Although medical professionals cannot guarantee anyone’s ability to circumvent a cancer diagnosis, studies show that certain lifestyle choices can greatly reduce your risk.

1

AVOID SMOKING. Smoking is a proven co-morbidity for many diseases, not just cancer. Not only does your body start recovering from smoking within minutes after quitting, but your risks for a number of cancers are also halved

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and other cancers. Drinking in moderation—a maximum of one drink a day for women and two for men— lowers your risk for cancer.

2

MOVE.

Medical Oncologist with the Hematology/Oncology Clinic

for breast, throat, liver, colorectal

around others who are using tobacco products can close to you who smokes to consider quitting.

— DR. GERALD MILETELLO,

Drinking alcohol raises your risk

just five years after stopping. In addition, just being place you at risk for lung cancer. Encourage anyone

“It can be encouraging for patients—even those with genetic predispositions to types of cancer—to realize they may be able to limit the severity of disease by taking some precautions.”

4

LIMIT ALCOHOL.

The American Cancer Society recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity for adults and an hour of moderate-intensity activity for children each week. For those who sit often, even getting up and walking around every two hours can help prevent

3

colon and endometrial cancer.

IMPROVE YOUR EATING HABITS.

According to the American Cancer Society, eating at least 2.5 cups of vegetables and fruits per day and decreasing the amount of processed meats you

5

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN.

Ultraviolet rays cause skin damage and can lead to skin cancer. Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen, sunprotective clothing, hats, and sunglasses whenever you are

6

outdoors in the sun.

GET SCREENED.

When you have your annual physical, talk to your doctor about which cancer screenings you need to stay healthy and reduce your risk of cancer.

eat can reduce your risk for cancer.

BUSINESS REPORT, August 2022 | BusinessReport.com

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Maria Y. Breast Cancer Survivor

The Ochsner Cancer Institute is bringing tomorrow’s cancer breakthroughs to the Baton Rouge region today.

Our multi-disciplinary team provides comprehensive care to treat the entire person and specializes in treating all types of cancer for both adults and children. We deliver advanced technology and treatment options such as precision therapies, early tumor detection programs, integrative oncology and the largest clinical trials network in Louisiana, so that patients do not have to travel for high-quality cancer care.

Stephen Bardot, MD

Nathan Bolton, MD

Corey Falcon, MD

Lindsey Fauveau, MD

Kyle Jakob, MD

Jeanette Kovtun, MD

Urology/Oncology

Pediatric Oncology

General Surgery

Cheree Bodden, NP

Hematology/Oncology

Surgical Oncology

Breast Oncology

Hematology/Oncology

Khelsea Conley, NP

Hematology/Oncology

B. Jay Brooks, MD

Hematology/Oncology

Russell Brown, MD Surgical Oncology

Issam Eid, MD

Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

Laura Finn, MD

Matthew Giglia, MD George Golightly, MD

Zoe Larned, MD

Brian Pettiford, MD

Bone Marrow Transplant

Hematology/Oncology

Phaon Dunbar, NP

Hematology/Oncology

Colorectal Oncology

General Surgery

Diogo Torres, MD

Thoracic Oncology

Gynecologic Oncology

Sydney Prescott, NP

Tyesha Taylor, NP

Hematology/Oncology Hematology/Oncology

Daniel Ezekwudo, MD Hematology/Oncology

Rockne Hymel, MD Radiation Oncology

Katrina Wade, MD

Gynecologic Oncology

Jessica Porter, PA

Hematology/Oncology

Do you need to be seen today? We offer appointment times to fit your needs.

To learn more, visit ochsner.org/cancer

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SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

I

t’s understandable that patients feel overwhelmed when they receive a cancer diagnosis. But friends and family members

often feel the same as they watch their loved one endure treatments and surgeries while they experience emotional ups and downs.

So how can you help? Here are some ways to show your support.

• Be there: Life is changing quickly for your friend or family member and in spite of this life-changing diagnosis, they will

FAMILY & FRIENDS

FOCUS ON FAITH

“What helped me the most through my cancer journey has been my amazing support system. My family and friends have been my biggest supporters, prayer warriors, and encouragers. They have kept me going on days when I just felt tired and ready to throw in the towel. My advice to the next person going through this journey is to always stay positive and make sure that you have a strong support system to carry you through.”

“When I heard the word ‘cancer,’ I thought my life was over. But I was determined to do everything necessary to live for my wife and grandchildren.

Your life is worth whatever you have to go through to live.

Find your reason for living and focus on that. Put your faith in God and your doctors, because when you hear ‘cancer,’ faith is all you have left.”

still worry about their daily routines and responsibilities. Offer to carpool for their school-age children. Pick up dinner for their family once or twice a week. Run errands for them or take them to a doctor’s appointment when you can. You’ll find plenty of ways to “be there.”

• Donate: Financial gifts are just one way to donate. You can donate your time and energy as well. Sign up for fundraising events, including runs, health walks, and special programs.

• Volunteer: Check with your local hospital or cancer program about volunteer opportunities. This could include helping out with special programs or events, or spending time with patients.

• Participate in a clinical trial: Browse the websites of your local hospitals for opportunities to participate in clinical trials related to cancer treatment.

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— TANDRA PECOT

Recently underwent radiation and surgical treatment at Woman’s Cancer Pavilion for triple negative breast cancer stage II.

— JOHN CHISHOLM

Colorectal cancer survivor who traveled from Mississippi to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for treatment with his wife Yvette.

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BEYOND CANCER

IS SUPPORT AND CARE FOR THE LIFE YOU CHERISH

At Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, treating cancer goes beyond just treating cancer. It also means treating everything that comes with cancer, including the complications and side effects. Cancer takes everything.

We’ll stop at nothing to care for you. Which is why we’ve been the region’s leading cancer destination for decades. And we won’t stop there.

OLOLRMC.COM/CANCER

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• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

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Giving Women a Fighting Chance: Keys to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

W

hile cancer screenings may not be at the top of your to-do list, making time for them could mean the difference in detecting problems early versus a late-stage diagnosis that could’ve been avoided. Whether you are a

woman or you love one, cancer prevention should be a priority.

IT’S TIME TO SCHEDULE Here are some specific screening recommendations and what they are designed to detect. Early detection is the key to treating most illnesses or diseases. Woman’s offers all of these tests with an order from your doctor. Visit Womans.org to learn more.

Mindy Bowie, MD, is passionate about educating

BEFORE AGE 20:

women about ways they can be proactive in

PELVIC EXAM/ PAP SMEAR TEST

preventing cancer.

Begin at 18, or once sexually active if earlier, and continue annually. Your doctor will look at your pelvic area, both internally and externally, for anything abnormal. During a Pap smear, they will use a swab to gently scrape the inside of your cervix to obtain cells, which will be inspected for signs of cancerous and precancerous changes

Woman’s Hospital Breast Surgical Oncologist

“There are four major areas where we can reduce our risk of developing cancer: eating healthy, exercising, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking,” said Dr. Bowie. The simple act of changing small habits in our day-to-day lives can have a tremendous impact in decreasing our risks.”

She also hopes to debunk one of the common misconceptions that you should only be worried about breast cancer if someone in your family has previously been diagnosed. “In fact, 65-70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no first or second degree family history,” she explains. Those who do have a family history of breast cancer, however, do have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

For those at greater risk, Woman’s Breast Specialists have a high-risk clinic that monitors

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE (STD) SCREENING Begin once sexually active. STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes and HIV can be diagnosed by STD screenings, which can be performed during your annual gynecologic exam. Some STDs do not cause symptoms, so it’s important to get tested.

using their own personal risk factors. This can mean

In your 20s:

more frequent imaging studies at earlier ages, or

BREAST SELF-EXAM

it can mean MRIs to get more advanced breast

Begin at 20, then continue once a month … forever. Get to know your body’s baselines. Any unusual symptoms or changes in breast tissue like swelling, dimpling, nipple discharge, persistent pain, redness, unusual masses or any other variation should be reported immediately to your doctor.

these patients on an individualized plan developed

images.

Whether someone is considered high risk or not, regular health screenings for cancer and other common diseases are important for all women. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the chance that treatment will be successful.

CLINICAL BREAST EXAM MINDY BOWIE, MD

Dr. Mindy Bowie is a Breast Surgical Oncologist at Woman’s Hospital. She is certified in Hidden Scar™ breast surgery and has expertise in nipple-sparing mastectomies and oncoplastic breast surgery. She is active in breast cancer research and prevention, and has been published in several breast cancer journals. Learn more about Dr. Bowie and the Woman’s Cancer Pavilion at womans.org/cancerpavilion.

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Begin at 20, then repeat every 3 years until age 40; after age 40, schedule annually.

During a clinical breast exam, a health care professional should visually examine you and carefully feel your breasts for any symptoms or warning signs.

Women older than 25 should undergo formal risk assessment for breast cancer to determine if they are high risk.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING Begin at 20, then repeat every 5 years or as often as your doctor recommends.

This screening detects high blood

cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease. A fasting lipoprotein profile is the most accurate type of cholesterol screening; it measures HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

In your 40s: MAMMOGRAM (FOR AVERAGE RISK WOMEN) Begin at 40 and repeat every year. A mammogram can help identify cysts, calcifications and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most effective way to detect early breast cancer.

In your 50s and beyond: COLON CANCER SCREENING Begin at 45 unless you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. If so, begin having regular screenings at a younger age; ask your doctor which tests you need and how often you should be screened.

Adults over age 50 should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years to examine the rectum and lower colon. A colonoscopy may be recommended every 10 years as an alternative. This procedure examines the entire colon. A fecal occult blood test checks for blood in your stool.

BONE DENSITY EXAM/ BONE MASS MEASUREMENT Women who have sustained a fracture should begin at age 40; and all women beyond age 65 per doctor recommendation. Low bone density can lead to fractures and osteoporosis. The test is recommended for women who are at increased risk due to certain medications, and for patients with conditions that are associated with bone loss.

BUSINESS REPORT, August 2022 | BusinessReport.com

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