Hospitals partner on oncology center

Lane Regional Medical Center and Baton Rouge General announced a joint venture to build a multimillion-dollar Radiation Oncology Center on Lane’s campus in Zachary.

Groundbreaking for the new facility is expected in late fall, with a 12-month construction schedule.

“We are honored to bring the life-saving services of radiation oncology therapy to the region,” Lane Regional Medical Center CEO Randy Olson said in a press release.

“Those battling cancer in our area will no longer have to travel elsewhere to receive treatment because we will have a nationally recognized cancer program right here in Zachary,” Olson said.

“Recognized as the region’s first nationally accredited comprehensive cancer center, Baton Rouge General is proud to partner with Lane to expand our programs and services for the good of Zachary patients and families,” said Baton Rouge General President and CEO Bill Holman.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 23,480 new cancer diagnoses in Louisiana this year, with prostate, lung, female breast and colo-rectal among the most common.

Radiation oncology is defined as the use of high energy radiation to control, shrink or kill cancerous cells, and is often used as a curative or controlling treatment, usually in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.

The CDC notes that about 50 percent of all cancer patients receive some type of radiation therapy during the course of their treatment.

“Our shared mission is to continuously address the needs of our communities,” Holman said.