UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

01/21/2026

Did you know?
Cancer is not a single disease but a collection of related diseases, each with its own causes, symptoms and treatments. Learning more about cancer and the importance of early detection can help improve survival rates. Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and avoiding to***co and excessive alcohol can lower the risk of certain cancers. Small steps today can make a meaningful difference for your health.
umc.edu/cancer

01/16/2026

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide — but it’s also one of the most preventable. 💙
Regular Pap and HPV tests, along with HPV vaccination, play a critical role in preventing cervical cancer and detecting it early, when it’s most treatable.
Talk with your health care provider about screening and vaccination. Prevention saves lives.
umc.edu/cancer

01/14/2026

A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of questions — and Survivor University is here to help. 💙

Recently, Dr. Leslie Musshafen, associate director of administration for the Cancer Center and Research Institute, joined Good Things with Rebecca Turner on SuperTalk to talk about this free, online program for adult Mississippians with a cancer diagnosis. Family members and caregivers are welcome, too.

Survivor University connects participants with trusted experts for sessions on nutrition, sleep and fatigue, physical activity, emotional well-being, managing side effects and practical resources for everyday life.

The goal: to empower patients and loved ones with knowledge, support and hope — during treatment and beyond.

Interested in joining? Register here: https://bit.ly/4pqckIz

https://youtu.be/XbTHmldUMz8?si=vwroYusMyAqaoa5q

Dr. Leslie Musshafen(Associate Director of Administration - Cancer Center & Research Institute | UMMC) joins the conversation by phone to detail their "Survi...

01/12/2026

Breakthrough research by Dr. Carolann Risley and her team is improving how cervical cancer is detected and managed nationwide. 🧬
UMMC-led HPV genotype research helped update national clinical guidelines, giving providers better tools to identify cancer risk earlier and personalize care. That’s research turning discovery into better health, right here in Mississippi.

Research on HPV genotypes helped change national cervical cancer management guidelines, improving care in Mississippi and beyond.

01/08/2026

The Cancer Center and Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been officially named an Optum Center of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy!
This prestigious recognition highlights CCRI’s excellence in delivering advanced CAR T-cell therapy — a cutting-edge treatment that uses patients’ own immune cells to fight certain types of stubborn cancers. This designation reflects rigorous standards, outstanding patient outcomes, and the exceptional skill and dedication of the entire CCRI team.

The Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is now an Optum Center of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy, an achievement that recognizes UMMC for meeting rigorous standards in delivering advanced CAR T-cell therapy and exceptional pati...

01/07/2026

🎉 We’re proud to share that CCRI is featured in the January 2026 AACI Update Newsletter, published by the Association of American Cancer Institutes!
The recognition highlights impactful research led by Dr. Keli Xu, showcasing the important cancer research happening at the Cancer Center and Research Institute at UMMC and its national reach.
Congratulations to Dr. Xu and the research team at CCRI — your dedication and innovation continue to elevate our mission and bring national attention to the life-saving work happening right here in Mississippi! https://www.aaci-cancer.org/aaci-update-january-2026

01/06/2026

Among UMMC’s top stories of 2025 is one highlighting the record-setting $25 million gift from John and Sandy Black to the Cancer Center and Research Institute. We’re grateful for their extraordinary generosity and its impact on patients and families across Mississippi. 💙

01/06/2026

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or deep into treatment, Survivor University is free and open to any adult Mississippian with a cancer diagnosis, and family members are welcome to join, too.

Participants get access to expert-led sessions on topics like nutrition, fatigue and sleep, physical activity, emotional well-being, side-effect management and resources for daily life.

Knowledge is power. Survivor University gives survivors and their loved ones practical information on improving health and quality of life during cancer treatment, and hope for the road ahead. 💙

Register online: https://bit.ly/4pqckIz

01/02/2026

A new year is a fresh start — and quitting smoking can be one of the most powerful resolutions you make for your health. Whether you’ve tried before or are just beginning to think about it, every attempt brings you closer to success.
You don’t have to quit alone. With the right support, resources, and encouragement, a smoke-free future is possible. This year, take a step toward better breathing, more energy, and reduced cancer risk.
If quitting smoking is on your list for the new year, help is available — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

https://act2quit.org/

01/01/2026

As 2026 begins, we’re celebrating an incredible year of growth and momentum at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute! From expanding research statewide to making important strides toward National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, this year has been pivotal in advancing cancer care across Mississippi.
✨ We’ve seen a 600% increase in NCI-eligible research funding compared to FY 2023 — a testament to the dedication of our researchers and partners. Our efforts span experimental therapeutics, cancer control and population science, and cancer biology — all with a focus on improving outcomes and equity for communities across the state.
💡 Meanwhile, our capital campaign continues to gain traction, bringing us closer to a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Center and Research Institute that will offer cutting-edge care, support clinical trials, and expand access for patients right here at home.
We’re so grateful to our faculty, staff, donors, community partners, and supporters for helping make this progress possible. Stay tuned — the best is yet to come!

The path to National Cancer Institute designation for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute is long, but progress is being made.

01/01/2026

Wishing you all a happy, healthy 2026!

From our UMMC team to you, wishing you a happy, healthy New Year!

12/31/2025

Congratulations to CCRI’s Dr. Justin Turner, who was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Physician Award from the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association. This recognition reflects a commitment to excellence, service to our communities and dedication to advancing medicine across Mississippi.