OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - Ouachita Parish has some of the highest cancer rates in Louisiana, but far fewer doctors to treat patients. Now, a new office is helping to close that gap.

Dr. Tharwart Ghattas, an oncologist-hematologist, recently opened his practice in the Twin Cities.

He says the need for care locally is urgent, as Ouachita Parish has about 577 cancer cases per 100,000 people compared to around 400 per 100,000 in Caddo Parish.

Dr. Ghattas says the need is great, yet the parish has only four oncologists, while Northwest Louisiana has nearly 30.

“There’s a huge number of new cancers diagnosed every year in late stages, much more complicated and you have less oncologists available to see these patients,” says Dr. Ghattas.

For some patients, the new clinic brings immediate

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