New program receives CDC grant to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screening

The Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program (LBCHP), a program of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and housed at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, has received more than $3 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services and patient navigation across Louisiana. 

Donna Williams, MPH, Dr.PH, Associate Dean of Public Health for LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health and Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement for the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, leads the program. 

Funded for the fifth consecutive year, the grant will strengthen Louisiana's coordinated approach to preventing cancer and detecting it earlier and more treatable stages.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program has:

Screened more than 118,000 women 
Diagnosed 1,648 breast cancers 
Diagnosed 249 cervical cancers 
Provided 44,497 patient navigation encounters 

This funding allows us to build on more than two decades of progress and reach more women, particularly those in rural communities and those who have rarely or never been screened. We have already increased the number of uninsured women served by 18% and exceeded our pre-Covid service level. Our focus now is ensuring that even more women can receive lifesaving screenings and timely follow-up care."

Carleigh Baudoin, Assistant Director, Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Controls Program

Through the program, eligible women receive no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic services and patient navigation. Women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, or certain precancerous conditions, may also qualify for no-cost healthcare coverage through Louisiana's Breast and Cervical Cancer Medicaid program.

Patient navigators help women overcome challenges that can prevent or delay screening and follow-up care. These barriers can include cost or lack of insurance, transportation, language, limited appointment availability, health literacy, cultural concerns and fear of a possible diagnosis.

Housed within the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, LBCHP is the largest initiative within Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs. It is also the nation's only CDC-funded National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program based at an academic institution.

As a program of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, LBCHP's statewide reach supports the Cancer Center's work to address Louisiana's cancer burden and pursue National Cancer Institute designation. The program uses statewide cancer data to identify areas of need, expand access to evidence-based screening and connect women with timely diagnostic and treatment services.

"Preventing cancer and finding it earlier are essential to changing cancer outcomes in Louisiana," said Dr. Lucio Miele, Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. "The Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program demonstrates the statewide reach, measurable impact and commitment to the communities we serve that are central to our pursuit of National Cancer Institute designation."

In addition to funding direct screening and diagnostic services, the CDC award supports partnerships with health systems and community organizations to increase screening throughout Louisiana. These efforts include implementing proven screening practices in healthcare settings, connecting women with available services and strengthening systems that support timely screening and follow-up care.