The People &
Purpose Behind
Our Work
Our organization is guided by a shared
mission and a dedicated team. This
section offers an overview of our history
and the people who lead and support
its work to reduce cancer risk and
improve outcomes statewide.
Our History
In 1990, Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act. This legislation directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).
Through this program, low-income, uninsured, or underserved women would receive timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Today, the NBCCEDP supports screening efforts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories, and 11 American tribes or tribal organizations.
Louisiana’s Model Program
In October 2002, Louisiana launched its NBCCEDP initiative. The state created the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program (LBCHP), which is housed at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health.
Through a highly effective and cost-efficient approach, LBCHP helped increase breast cancer screening rates statewide and significantly reduce Louisiana’s once-highest breast cancer death rate. Today, it is widely recognized as one of the most successful programs of its kind.
Expanding The Fight Against Cancer
The success of LBCHP helped secure expanded CDC funding for additional cancer prevention efforts, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. These efforts led to the creation of Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs (LCP), which serves as an umbrella for multiple cancer-fighting programs and initiatives.
Alos located at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, LCP advances cancer prevention and control through research, education, policy and community partnerships, with support from public, private and nonprofit partners.
Milestones In Cancer Prevention
This timeline highlights national milestones that shaped cancer screening efforts, including Louisiana’s role in expanding access statewide.
1983
The Louisiana Tumor Registry is established, providing statewide cancer incidence and outcomes data that guide prevention and planning.
1990
Congress passes landmark legislation directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish a national screening program.
1991
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program launches to expand screening access for underserved women nationwide.
1990s
The national screening program expands nationwide through state, tribal, and territorial partnerships.
1998
Louisiana begins participating in federally supported comprehensive cancer control planning efforts.
2002
Louisiana establishes the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program to deliver screening statewide.
2003
Louisiana receives funding through the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, supporting coordinated statewide cancer prevention planning.
2000s
Louisiana strengthens screening access and patient navigation to reduce barriers to early detection. This includes developing and implementing the first Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, which aligned prevention, screening, and policy efforts statewide.
2010s
Expanded use of Louisiana-specific cancer data strengthens targeted prevention, early detection, and disparity-reduction strategies.
2020s
Louisiana advances coordinated cancer prevention through integrated programs, data-driven planning, and expanded community partnerships.
Today
National screening programs operate in all states, territories, and tribal organizations nationwide.