Mississippi Public Broadcasting
Federal grant awarded for UMMC to renovate Cancer Center and Research Institute
By Kristen Kaylor
The University of Mississippi Medical Center will renovate and upgrade its Cancer Center and Research Institute using a newly awarded $2.4 million federal grant, a key boost for a facility that has gone nearly 30 years without significant updates. The project is part of broader efforts to modernize cancer research and treatment at UMMC and strengthen its bid for national recognition.
The grant funding will support repairs and the purchase of new equipment for the center. It was secured by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde Smith and U.S. Representative Michael Guest. Hyde Smith said that her hope is to see UMMC formally recognized as a National Cancer Institute, a designation she believes would keep Mississippians from having to travel out of state for cancer treatment. The Cancer Center currently sees nearly 3,000 new patients annually.
"...You know, there's no reason why we can't be a premier center. Every family, every citizen in Mississippi is touched by cancer, either through themselves or a family member. This is one of the worst, most vulnerable times in their entire life," Hyde-Smith said. "I want to make sure that we have all the federal funding that we absolutely need to make that a research center, a cancer center, and a destination center for those going through this unbelievable time in their lives."
A National Cancer Institute designation is issued by the government, marking an institution as a center leading in cancer research and treatment. There are currently 73 NCI designations in the nation, but no NCI designated cancer centers in Mississippi.
Dr. Rodney Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and the director of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute explained that the grant will provide funding for renovations for the 14,000 square feet of the research center as well as new equipment for research and treatment.
Rocconi said that with these renovations completed, it could increase UMMC's facilities to being within the top 20 of cancer centers nationwide.
"Here in Deep South, we all love our college football. You know, we want our colleges to be in the top 20 in college football. If that's the case, we certainly would want our cancer center to be in the top 20 in the country as well," Rocconi said.
He also noted an NCI designation means being able to provide higher quality of care within the state. Having newer technology for treatment could bring a 25% to 35% survival increase to patients receiving treatment.
"...If we're able to achieve and attain NCI designation here, it gives us that stamp of approval, but it also improves patients' lives," Rocconi said. "It also allows patients to stay closer to home during their treatment, so that's less time traveled, less money spent on travel. To get that level of care, that's our ultimate goal."
Groundbreaking for the renovation work is expected to begin in October. Rocconi said that UMMC also has other ongoing projects for the Cancer Center and Research Institute, which is building new research labs for Ph.D. Cancer researchers. UMMC is also getting a new cancer center building entirely, which will be five stories tall and 250,000 square feet.