UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

10/17/2026

When breast cancer care became part of her story, Deborah Deerman found the support she needed close to her Delta home at UMMC Grenada.

“I never worried. I never was upset,” she said. “I just knew I was in good hands.”

Her experience reflects the compassionate, patient‑centered care our teams provide across Mississippi. Learn more:

When Deborah needed breast cancer care, she found a team close to h...

10/16/2026

Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and director of the Cancer Center and Research Institute, is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink tie and a continued commitment to improving cancer outcomes for Mississippians.

His leadership strengthens CCRI’s focus on prevention early detection and access to high quality cancer care. On Boss’ Day we are proud to recognize his guidance and the impact he makes on our patients and community.

10/15/2026

CCRI was well represented at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s annual Cancer Center Research Retreat, where 22 team members attended and 13 presented their work. The retreat brought together scientists, clinicians and trainees from across the region to share discoveries and strengthen collaboration. During the event, Dr. Barry Sleckman, director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, welcomed CCRI leaders Dr. Ajay Singh, Dr. Rod Rocconi, Dr. Leslie Musshafen and Dr. Devika Das. We are proud of our team and grateful for partnerships that help move cancer research forward.

10/15/2026

At our Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Barbara Herring helps women move forward with care. She guides breast cancer survivors through monitoring and surveillance and provides the kind of support that honors each woman’s unique path.

10/15/2026

Great to see Dr. Galarza connecting with Mississippi's medical community!

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 & 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 starts with 𝙊𝙐𝙏𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘾𝙃 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! 🥼🤝🥼
Dr. Laura Galarza, plastic surgery, brought a genuine energy to her very first OUTREACH! She CONNECTED with general surgeons & discussed collaborative care for different patient types including those in need of reconstructive surgery after oncologic or traumatic deformities.
UMMC Surgery

10/13/2026

It's the second week of our series, "Rewriting Mississippi's Cancer Story." Find out more about the groundbreaking research underway at CCRI and catch up with week one: https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2026/10/Rewriting-Cancer.html

How can researchers improve cancer prevention, detection and treatment for Mississippians? UMMC scientists are exploring that question from several angles, studying how stress and environmental factors influence cancer, searching for early signs of pancreatic cancer and developing new ways to deliver chemotherapy more precisely.

As UMMC prepares to break ground on a new home for its Cancer Center and Research Institute, this research offers a closer look at the discoveries that could help shape the future of cancer care in Mississippi.

Read more about the teams working to change cancer outcomes: https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2026/10/CCRI-researchers.html

10/09/2026

Early detection saves lives. Dr. Wade Christopher and Dr. Barbara Craft share vital information about breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

10/08/2026

ICYMI: Mississippi blues legend Jesse Robinson shares how he’s facing cancer with determination and support from his care team at UMMC’s Cancer Center and Research Institute. His message encourages others to stay on top of their health and keep doing what they love. Watch his story: https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2026/10/Jesse-Robinson.html

10/08/2026

Our colleagues in the Department of Radiation Oncology are thinking pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

10/07/2026

UMMC is celebrating a transformational $2.5 million gift from Regions Bank to the It’s About Time campaign. The donation supports construction of a new home for cancer care and research at the Medical Center, offering patients a welcoming space for multidisciplinary treatment and expanding opportunities for clinical trials and discovery. This investment reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier Mississippi and improving outcomes for families across the state. Learn more: https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2026/10/regions-donation.html