CANCER TREATMENT NEW TO UNIVERSITY HEALTH University Health Shreveport received a new piece of equipment that will change cancer treatment in North Louisiana. The 18-ton Versa HD is a linear accelerator that is the most advanced technology for treating cancer.

This machine directs high energy X-rays to the precise shape of the tumor to destroy cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissue. This highly effective treatment involves no surgery, and is minimally invasive.

While more than half of all cancer patients receive radiation as part of their treatment plan, traditional radiation causes many severe side effects. That’s because it damages normal cells. Versa HD’s precise techniques can significantly reduce side effects, making an already difficult journey easier for our cancer patients.

To prepare for the equipment, University Health Shreveport had to install a vault with six-foot thick cement walls. The installation of the equipment will take four to seven weeks and the Versa HD should be up and running by early summer.

The closest linear accelerator is in Houston at MD Anderson. This piece of equipment represents a nearly $4 million investment by University Health for the care of cancer patients. University Health worked with LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine to recruit Radiation Oncologist Dr. Troy Richards. Richards said this technology will make University Health Shreveport comparable to the best cancer treatment centers around the country.

MAGAZINE PUBLISHES THE SILVER PAGES The 2016 edition of Silver Pages, by the publishers of the award-winning The Best of Times newsmagazine, is hot off the presses and currently available to area residents. Silver Pages is the only comprehensive senior resource directory printed in Northwest Louisiana for mature adults. Copies are now available for “free pickup” at over 528 distribution locations in Northwest Louisiana, including the Council on Aging offices, Krogers, Brookshire’s, Super One, Willis-Knighton Health System facilities and many other locations in Northwest Louisiana. Copies will also be available at senior events held throughout the year in Shreveport and Bossier City.

For home delivery via mail of the 2016 Silver Pages, individuals should send their name and address, along with $5 per copy (checks made payable to The Best of Times) to cover postage and handling to: Silver Pages, P. O. Box 19510, Shreveport, 71149.

FREE HEAD AND NECK SCREENINGS AVAILABLE Faculty from the LSU Health Shreveport Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery will screen community members for oral, head, and neck cancer during a special event April 15 at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center.

The screenings involve a quick, simple and painless physical examination of the head and neck area. Yearly physical exams are recommended to catch these types of cancer early.

The screenings are held annually during the national Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week. They will take place 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 15 at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, located at 1405 Kings Highway in Shreveport. It is free, but appointments are required. Call 675-6262.