Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Programs (LCP) offers programs that help people take action to prevent cancer, find it early, and confidently navigate next steps with confidence. Our work combines education, screening access, and coordinated planning to strengthen cancer prevention and control statewide.
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Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Services
helps eligible women receive timely breast and cervical cancer screenings at no cost. By removing cost, lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and healthcare barriers, LCP helps ensure more women get screened and take the next steps in their care.
These cancers account for a significant share of cancer deaths in Louisiana, but they’re among the most preventable and treatable when detected early.
What These Services Provide
Eligible women may receive:
No-Cost Screenings
Clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap tests, and diagnostic follow-up services when needed
Patient Navigation & Support
Personalized assistance to help schedule appointments, understand screening results, navigate next steps, and overcome challenges, such as transportation or financial barriers.
Support for uninsured and underinsured women
Services are available to women without insurance, as well as those with insurance who cannot afford copays or other out-of-pocket costs that may delay screening.
Who These Services Are For
Breast and cervical cancer screening services are available to eligible women across Louisiana based on age, income, and insurance status.
General eligibility includes:
- Breast cancer screening (mammograms): women ages 40 – 64
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap tests): women ages 21 – 64
- Women of any age with breast symptoms or concerns
- Household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Uninsured women or women facing financial barriers to care
Access to Care If Cancer Is Found
If a patient is screened through an LCP provider and results indicate breast or cervical cancer, or a precancerous condition, eligible women may qualify for coverage that provides access to comprehensive treatment services at no cost. This helps ensure continuity of care from early detection through treatment.
Why This Matters
Louisiana continues to face a higher cancer burden than many other states, particularly among underserved communities. By expanding access to screening and early detection, LCP helps improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and support healthier futures for Louisiana women.
Statewide Cancer Prevention & Control
LCP serves as Louisiana’s hub for coordinating cancer prevention and control efforts. Statewide planning, partnership-building, and data-driven strategies allows our team to reduce cancer risk, improve early detection, and strengthen outcomes for individuals and communities.
Guiding Louisiana’s Cancer Prevention Efforts
LCP leads the development and implementation of the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, a statewide roadmap that helps align efforts between public health agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, researchers, and policymakers. The plan is informed by Louisiana-specific cancer data and national best practices, and it is updated regularly to reflect emerging research, evolving needs and progress across the state.
The plan as a guide, LCP helps advance statewide cancer prevention and control efforts by:
Setting statewide priorities
Identifying key cancer-related challenges and outlining evidence-based strategies to address them.
Coordinating partners
Aligning the work of healthcare systems, nonprofits, community organizations, and public agencies to reduce duplication and increase impact.
Using Louisiana-specific data
Leveraging state cancer data to track progress, identify disparities, and inform planning and policy decisions.
Supporting prevention & early detection
Promoting programs, policies, and practices that reduce cancer risk and increase access to recommended screenings.
Areas of Focus
LCP’s work spans multiple areas that influence cancer risk and outcomes, including:
- Tobacco use prevention and cessation
- Nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight
- Cancer screening and early detection
- Access to quality treatment and care
- Cancer survivorship and quality of life
- Health equity and reducing disparities
These focus areas help ensure that statewide efforts are aligned and targeted where they can make the greatest difference.
Who This Work Supports
LCP’s planning and coordination efforts support a wide range of partners across the state, including:
- Healthcare providers and health systems
- Public health professionals
- Community-based organizations
- Policymakers and advocates
- Researchers and academic institutions
By working from a shared plan, partners across Louisiana can contribute to coordinated and measurable progress in cancer prevention and control.
Why This Matters
Cancer remains a leading health challenge in Louisiana with significant differences in risk and outcomes across regions and populations. By leading statewide planning efforts and coordinating action through the Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, LCP helps strengthen our state’s ability to prevent cancer where possible, detect it earlier, and improve quality of life for those affected.
Patient Navigation & Care Coordination
LCP provides patient navigation services that help Louisiana residents connect with recommended cancer screenings and take the next step with confidence. Our patient navigators offer personalized support to reduce barriers, answer questions, and help individuals access care in a timely way.
What Patient Navigation Provides
Patient navigation offers practical, individualized guidance that removes obstacles and keeps the screening process on track. Residents who connect with LCP may receive:
One-on-one navigation support
Personalized assistance to identify appropriate cancer screening services and determine next steps.
Help scheduling screenings
Assistance locating participating providers and arranging appointments.
Barrier reduction support
Addressing transportation needs, insurance concerns, financial challenges, or other obstacles that may delay care.
Follow-up guidance
Clear direction on screening results and coordination of next steps when additional testing is needed.
Who Patient Navigation Is For
Patient navigation services are available to Louisiana residents who:
- Need help scheduling a cancer screening
- May be uninsured or underinsured
- Face financial or logistical challenges
- Have questions about eligibility or what to do next
Navigation services are designed to ensure individuals can move from outreach to screening and, if necessary, to follow-up care without unnecessary delays.
Why This Matters
Access to screening alone is not always enough. Many individuals face practical challenges that make it difficult to schedule or complete care. By guiding residents through each step of the screening process, LCP reduces barriers, improves timely access, and strengthens cancer prevention efforts in Louisiana.
Survivorship
Let the Good Times Roll Through Survivorship, because a cancer diagnosis does not define you or your life!
What is Survivorship
At LCP, we believe that survivorship starts on day one. It is the process of living with, though, and beyond a cancer diagnosis. It’s not just about treatment, it’s about ensuring that you maintain your physical, emotional, and social well-being throughout your journey.
What We Are Doing (COE)
Our Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) team is bridging the gap between clinical care and community life. We ensure every survivor has equitable access to the tools to thrive, focusing on peer support, education, and long-term wellness.
Coming Soon: Our Program Features
Peer Advocacy & Storytelling
For those who are comfortable sharing their journey, we provide the opportunity to become community advocates and public speakers. We offer the support and platform you need to share your testimonial and inspire others across the state.
Caring Through Cancer
Our dedicated facilitator and caregiver guide. It provides practical tools and resources specifically for the family and friends walking the path alongside a survivor, ensuring the entire support system is cared for.
Exercise & Nutrition
Our remote-based wellness hub includes a guided exercise curriculum, a physical toolkit, and a 6-session nutrition course with LCMC experts.
Follow-up guidance
Clear direction on screening results and coordination of next steps when additional testing is needed.
Community & National Resources
Beyond our programs, these trusted partners offer additional support for your journey:
Financial & Practical Assistance
Links to national and local Louisiana patient assistance funds for help with co-pays, lodging, or transportation to appointments. Learn more about financial & practical assistance.
Mental Health & Wellness
Support Groups