Cancer Center of Acadiana at Acadia General Celebrates Anniversary

Cancer Center of Acadiana (CCA) at Acadia General celebrated its four-year anniversary on May 9. CCA opened in Crowley to serve Acadia parish residents, eliminating the need to drive to Houston, or even Lafayette, for cancer treatment and services.

It’s quite remarkable to see the growth of CCA in Crowley. Originally, the cancer center was open for patients half a day, twice per week, and gave infusions to approximately 30 patients per month in 2013.

After three years, the average number of patients receiving infusion services rose to approximately 75 per month. This growth can be attributed to many factors. As word spread that full service cancer treatment was available, the Acadia Parish community responded positively by staying local to receive care. In February 2016, the unit doubled the number of infusion chairs available to patients – from six to 12.

All of the nurses who administer chemotherapy and biotherapy are certified by the Oncology Nursing Society in safe administration and quality care delivery.

“On February 12, 2016, I was diagnosed with colon cancer,” said Carla Bollich, who lives in Eunice, but works in Crowley and has many relatives in the Crowley area. Bollich received her chemotherapy treatment at CCA.

“When you go through cancer, it’s a hard time. I consider the people here (CCA) family. They were friendly, kind, caring and funny, and I needed humor. I could be myself and they supported me. I never had a bad moment here.”

“I loved the idea of not driving far and being familiar with the city. I didn’t feel like driving sometimes. My family is all around here and they were able to bring me. If it was further, it would have been a big inconvenience, financially and with time.

150 percent growth at CCA in three years was remarkable, but only the beginning. As demand grew, Dr. Rebecca Davis shifted her focus solely to CCA at Acadia General in November 2016. Seeing patients five days a week made Dr. Davis Crowley’s first and only full-time oncologist.

“The same cancer treatments found at large cancer centers are right here in Crowley,” stated Dr. Davis. “Our patients are so happy to return to their own homes after each treatment, not having to drive very far or not staying in a hotel hours away. Most cancer treatment protocols have become universal. The contents in the bag of chemotherapy in Houston are the same in Crowley.”

No secret anymore, CCA is now attracting many patients from the surrounding parishes of Jefferson Davis, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry and Vermillion. In the first 3 months of 2017, the average number of infusions has risen to 186 per month. This represents 148 percent growth in the past year and 520 percent growth since its inception.

CCA has done its part by hiring more staff to keep up with the demand. Despite a much busier practice and more infusion volume, patient satisfaction scores remain extremely high – above the 90th percentile nationally. This is a testament to the care and compassion delivered in Crowley.

CCA at Acadia General has openings for new patients. More information can be found by calling (337) 788-6545 or visiting AcadiaGeneral.com.