A Department of Ochsner Medical Center

A New Vision for Cancer Care

Each year, more than one million Americans are diagnosed with cancer. In this region, one in three women and one in four men will get cancer in their lifetimes. Many cancers are curable if diagnosed early and treated appropriately, but Louisiana has the second highest incidence rate and highest mortality rate in the nation.

The goal of the Ochsner Cancer Services team is to provide the most advanced cancer care available and, at the same time, to offer the compassionate support that enables the patient to meet the challenge of living with cancer. Ochsner’s unique combination of patient care, research and education set the institution apart from other healthcare providers in the region who are able to provide some, but not all, of the services needed by cancer patients and their families. In addition, a research partnership with LSU Health Sciences Center ensures that clinical and basic research into cancer prevention, treatment and cure receives the highest attention. Also, Ochsner is a member of the Louisiana Cancer Consortium.

The newly expanded Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center continues to bring innovations to the fight against cancer, close to home. The addition doubles the size of the Cancer Center, increasing capacity to offer more high-quality cancer services and advanced clinical research making it one of the leading comprehensive destinations for cancer care across a multi-state region. 

This new building adds 115,000 square feet over six floors, but the expansion offers more than just extra space. It reinforces Ochsner’s commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care using the latest technology, innovative treatments and a compassionate, holistic approach. 

The Cancer Center includes 58 personalized and semi-private patient chemo infusion stations against the beautiful, relaxing backdrop of the Mississippi River, as well as dedicated infusion and clinic spaces for Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) patients. The Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center, previously located across Jefferson Highway, has moved to the Benson Cancer Center to further integrate the multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Our Integrative Oncology Services comprehensive symptom management includes physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, a gym and meditation space. All clinic space now has a multidisciplinary design where patients benefit from a collaborative approach to cancer care by a highly skilled team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers and Ochsner Precision Cancer Therapies Program researchers dedicated to specific disease types. The Cancer Center also includes the latest location of an Ochsner Health O Bar, a retail experience offering the latest in cutting edge, interactive health technology to help patients seamlessly manage health and wellness.

Key Features of the Facility

This facility houses a Hematology Oncology Clinic and Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic. An area for Radiation Oncology and a Prostate Center are also incorporated into this facility. A multidisciplinary clinic in the building offers patients access to the full array of specialists and sub-specialists to meet the challenges presented by cancers.

The facility also addresses an important focus of the Ochsner multidisciplinary team approach: the social, physical and emotional impacts of cancer treatment. The Center is home to chemotherapy classes designed for patients and families embarking on chemotherapy treatment and support groups available to all members of the community. Educational resources and regular support groups open to both Ochsner patients and any member of the community seeking support as they or a loved one battles cancer are available at this Center as well.

Awards & Accolades

• 2019: Benson Cancer Center Earns National Re-accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Read more about our re-accreditation.
  
• 2018: Ochsner Health is recognized by the QOPI (Quality Oncology Practice Initiative) Certification Program for meeting nationally recognized standards for high quality cancer care. Ochsner is the only health system in the New Orleans region with an Oncology practice certification. Read more about this recognition and what it means for care of our patients.
• 2014: Ochsner Medical Center and Ochsner’s West Bank Campus named “High Performing” in cancer care by U.S. News & World Report.
• 2013: Recognized among “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs” by Becker’s Hospital Review.