Providers pose for a group photo at a patient's bedside.
CCRI Researcher looks into microscope.
New CCRI Exterior Rendering.
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Cancer Center and Research Institute

The Cancer Center and Research Institute unites physicians, nurses and researchers from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the University of Mississippi in the quest to stop cancer through:

  • Interdisciplinary world class cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
  • Research to better prevent, detect and treat cancer.
  • Education for Mississippi residents and the medical caregivers who one day will provide their cancer care.

Adult and pediatric physicians see more than 2,000 new patients annually and follow more than 5,800 survivors. Cancer teams see many people with rare or complex care needs.

Keep up with Cancer Center and Research Institute news by connecting with us through social media. CCRI is active on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

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We offer our expert cancer care at UMMC Grenada.
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Featured News

Cytotechnologist Mirna Vargas analyzes test results in this photo from See, Test and Treat in 2024.

See, Test and Treat offers free cancer screenings for uninsured, underinsured

Monday, February 9, 2026

Applications are now being accepted for See, Test and Treat, a free cancer screening event at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for uninsured and underinsured Mississippians. Read More

Dr. Stanley Smith, right, credits surgeon Dr. Chad Huckabay and CCRI care for successful treatment of his prostate cancer.

Cancer journey extends UMMC professor’s lessons beyond classroom

Monday, December 29, 2025

For decades, Dr. Stanley Smith has shaped generations of future physicians at UMMC. When he became a cancer patient, that lifelong commitment came full circle, deepening his trust in the care he has long championed. Read More

Latest News

Regular cervical cancer screening is essential for early detection and prevention, health experts say, and HPV vaccination can protect against the virus that causes most cervical cancers.

UMMC research leads to updated HPV clinical guidelines

Published on Monday, January 12, 2026

 The ACT Center team poses for a photo, from left, [front row] Dr. Jonathan Hontzas, director; Sharon Terry, tobacco treatment specialist; Kelli Grant, manager of research operations; Brittany Tichenor, tobacco treatment specialist; Erica Cameron, lung cancer screening coordinator; Latoya Scott, scheduler; Stacy Wilson, medical office assistant; Leslie Musshafen, associate director of administration for the Cancer Center & Research Institute; [back row] Langston Moore, project manager for the Cancer Center & Research Institute; Kathy Banks, administrative assistant; and Jay Thompson, project manager.

ACT Center holds pinning ceremony honoring tobacco treatment graduates

Published on Monday, December 15, 2025

 Research by Dr. Keli Xu into the origins of a type of pancreatic cancer could lead to better biomarkers and treatments.

CCRI research seeking to unlock mysteries of pancreatic cancer with $1.8M NCI grant

Published on Monday, December 8, 2025

 Discussing a care plan with are cancer care team members, from left, Rebecca Turner, registered dietitian, Tommy Berg, exercise physiologist, and Melissa Wood family nurse practitioner.

Cancer care questions met with answers from UMMC experts

Published on Monday, November 3, 2025

 Dr. Devika Das, director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology

Front and Center: Dr. Devika Das

Published on Monday, November 3, 2025

 Meaghan Odum hasn't let breast cancer slow her down from her studies, work, volunteering and a busy family life.

‘Too much more to offer’: CCRI breast cancer patient’s journey underscores early detection

Published on Monday, October 13, 2025

 Johnny McRight, of Greenville, and James E. Poole Jr., of Jackson, were honored by the Ole Miss Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame at the Sept. 13 Ole Miss vs. Arkansas football game. McRight was presented the Contribution to Amateur Football Award and Poole with the Distinguished American Award. Pictured here are, from left, Poole; Richard Noble of Indianola, president of the Ole Miss chapter; Keith Carter, vice chancellor of intercollegiate athletics; and the McRight family — grandson Joseph Nipper, McRight and wife Renee, grandson Christian Britt, daughter Meriwalker Nipper and grandsons Collins and Hall Nipper.

Delta cancer rates move McRights to make significant gift to CCRI campaign at UMMC

Published on Monday, October 6, 2025
Doctor prepares syringes and vials as patient sitting on exam table looks on.

Treatment

Interdisciplinary teams meet regularly to review each new patient’s case and recommend the best treatment for each individual. Doctors here see many unusual and complex cases.

Health Care
Two smiling doctors review printed lab results.

Education

The Cancer Center and Research Institute offers the state’s only residency and fellowship programs for professionals seeking a career in cancer care.

Students and Trainees
Researcher extracting samples from container.

Research

Researchers and physicians at UMMC and at the University of Mississippi are working together to seek new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

Research Overview