Patient-Centered Cancer Care

Cancer is a battle. And at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, we work side-by-side with our patients in the fight of their lives. We take a team approach to care, and our specialists work together to determine the most effective treatment options for each patient and each patient's particular type of cancer.

A team approach to individual treatment

Our interdisciplinary teams specialize in a specific type of cancer and meet regularly to discuss patient cases and decide on the best course of treatment for each patient’s unique situation. Our physicians are board certified and fellowship trained, and care teams include surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists, imaging specialists, medical physicists, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, speech pathologists, dentists, dieticians, and others.

One-stop cancer care

Being an academic medical center means we have more kinds of specialty care available in one place. Our dedicated cancer care coordinators work with patients to schedule needed medical appointments on the same day or on consecutive days to minimize trips to the doctor. A nurse coordinator works with patients to make every visit to UMMC as easy and convenient as possible.

Research and education

Not only do our interdisciplinary teams provide care to cancer patients, but they also participate in research and clinical trials that aid in the discovery of new cancer treatments and, ultimately, the search for a cure. We are also involved in national and industry-sponsored clinical trials to find out how well new medicines, combinations of medicines, or new techniques work to diagnose and treat cancer.

Our educational mission is key to the future of treating and eliminating cancer. Our students, residents, and fellows work side-by-side with board-certified faculty who share their expertise and knowledge of emerging technologies and treatments.

A commitment to care and service

We are here to serve our patients and their families. Our dedicated nurses walk each patient through the process before, during, and after treatment. Our goal is to give patients and families the information, tools, and treatments to understand and beat cancer. If the time comes when we agree further treatment would not be valuable, we will continue to work closely with patients and their families in providing palliative care and hospice services.

We are your partner during the fight, and we will be with you every step of the way.