Bringing advanced cancer research and treatment to our region
The latest advancements in cancer studies are available close to home
What is a clinical trial or cancer study?
Cancer affects 1 in 4 Americans. However major advances in understanding what causes cancer, and how best to treat it, have decreased mortality by cancer and extended the life of over 18 million Americans. This is largely the result of basic research and cancer clinical trials (or clinical studies). Clinical trials allow patients and doctors to participate in advanced studies and receive treatment today with new medications that will be approved in the future.
A clinical trial or research study is a way for physicians and scientists to apply the latest technology to how they care for a disease. Most studies show that patients participating in clinical trials have better outcomes, i.e. survival and a better quality of life. However, less than 10% of adult cancer patients participate in cancer clinical trials in the United States. These low numbers are worse for patients in underserved and impoverished areas. By expanding the number of cancer studies and treatment locations available in the Gulf South region, the Gulf South Clinical Trials Network is working to improve the quality of patient care and reduce the rate of cancer deaths. The goal of the Gulf South Clinical Trials Network is to give everyone in our region access to the best and most advanced cancer care possible through clinical trials, no matter where they live or what kind of cancer they have.
You can click here for more information and to search for a clinical trial near you.
Improving access to care
By expanding the number of cancer studies and treatment locations available in the Gulf South region, our network is working to provide patients and doctors access to the clinical trial of their choice with the hope of improving the quality of patient care and reducing the rate of cancer deaths. Some cancer statistics and differences in our region are highlighted below.
LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer is the first leading cause of death in Louisiana. This suggests the importance of conducting lung cancer screening in individuals with a history of smoking.
PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men in Louisiana and one of the highest in the nation. Late diagnosis and advanced cancer is more frequently found in our region.
BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Louisiana. The most aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) occurs in young (under 40 years of age) African American women in our state.
CERVICAL CANCER
Louisiana is ranked 7th in the US for deaths related to cervical cancer. Advanced forms of cervical cancer are more frequently found in African American women and in individuals infected with HIV.
What is a health care disparity?
Across the country, not everyone has the same opportunities in achieving their best possible health. Health disparities – which are preventable health differences among certain groups of people – persist from coast to coast, including right here in the Gulf South region.
Two zip codes – two health outcomes
Your family health history, age, and health status – many factors predict your likelihood of developing and dying from cancer. But did you know that your zip code can determine health outcomes just as much as your genetic code?
The Gulf South Clinical Trials Network is committed to reducing health disparities and cancer deaths related to where you live by providing convenient access to clinical trials and cancer treatment in the Gulf South Region.
