History of Laird Cancer Center
The Laird Cancer Center at Nacogdoches Medical Center opened in November 1993. Since 1994, Angelina Radiation Oncology Associates and Dr. Sidney Roberts have provided radiation oncology services to the Laird Cancer Center. In addition to state-of-the-art external beam radiotherapy, prostate brachytherapy services (implant of radioactive sources) are offered. A tumor registry also was established. Dr. Burnett Hanson, at the time an Angelina Radiation Oncology associate, started a prostate brachytherapy seed implant program at Nacogdoches Medical Center with urologist Dr. Mark Nielsen. Brachytherapy services continue to be offered at the Laird Cancer 
Center.
In 2002, the Laird Cancer Center upgraded its treatment planning system. Major equipment upgrades are planned for late 2005/early 2006, including a new CT scan machine with CT simulation capabilities.