Cancer Support Services

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Related Medical Services

The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute is dedicated to treating the whole patient. As part of our commitment to patients during and after therapy, we connect patients to genetic counselors, dietitians, dentists, pharmacists, and other medical specialists to help treat symptoms or side effects of treatment. Talk to a cancer care coordinator about any additional services needed.

Additional medical services we offer:

Blood bank

The UMMC blood bank is managed by a transfusion medicine physician and provides patients with transfusions of red blood cells, plasma, or platelets. Having a blood bank on site means patients probably won’t have to wait for doctors to order compatible blood products from the main hospital or another blood bank. Maintained by UMMC Pathology, the satellite blood bank in the Jackson Medical Mall is staffed each day until the last patient is through with transfusions.

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Cardio-Oncology Clinic

The Cardio-Oncology Clinic monitors patients who enter cancer therapy with a heart issue or those whose cancer treatment may make them more susceptible to one. Cardiologists with training in cancer therapies work with hematologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists to focus on:

  • Patients who have cardiac issues when they are diagnosed with cancer.
  • Patients who have risk factors for cardiac disease that need to be managed.
  • Patients who are receiving cancer therapy that is potentially cardiotoxic. This allows the care team to alter therapy if needed.

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Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in recovery. The right eating plan can help patients feel better, stay stronger, and better cope with possible side effects of treatment. Nutrition counseling focuses on helping minimize the side effects of cancer treatment like loss of appetite or weight. It also addresses ongoing concerns such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling co-morbidities is a critical factor in beating cancer.

The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute has a licensed, registered oncology dietitian to help develop individualized nutrition plans. Our dietitian works closely with patients at high risk for nutrition problems, such as those who have difficulty chewing or swallowing. We also work with any patient who has nutritional questions or needs. Our staff dietitian can provide nutrition counseling, guidance on food choices, meal plans, recipes, and nutrition tips.

  • To make an appointment with the oncology dietitian, call (601) 815-6780.

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Oral health

Some cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can make patients more susceptible to dental health issues. A comprehensive dental exam should be scheduled before such treatments to see if the mouth is healthy or if further dental care is needed. University Dentists are experienced in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy mouth before, during, and after treatment.

  • Our physicians and nurse coordinators can make referrals for dental appointments.
  • To schedule an appointment with a University Dentist, call (601) 984-6185.
  • Patients who see a non-UMMC dentist should be sure to schedule a dental exam prior to chemotherapy or radiation to discuss oral health needs and preventative care.

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Pharmacy

UMMC has several pharmacies with convenient access from appointment locations. Our three locations honor most prescription plans and can accept most major credit cards. Prescriptions can be refilled by phone or requested online. Pharmacy hours vary by location.

Pharmacy locations:

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Tobacco cessation

Tobacco cessation is an important part of ongoing cancer care, and, in instances when a patient may need to undergo extensive surgery, it is mandatory. At UMMC, the ACT Center for Tobacco Treatment, Education, and Research can design a treatment plan to meet your needs, and increase the likelihood you will quit and stay tobacco-free. Read more.

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Reconstructive Surgery

CCRI cancer specialists and UMMC plastic surgeons work together to enhance options for reconstructive surgery.
Plastic surgeons offer general plastic surgery and advanced reconstructive microsurgery following cancer of the face, head, neck, breast, body or extremities. Read more.

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