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UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute News Articles

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

Monday, December 15, 2025

Last week, the ACT Center for Tobacco Treatment, Education and Research celebrated over 40 individuals who have committed to a tobacco-free lifestyle during a pinning ceremony for the program’s graduates. Read More

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

Monday, December 8, 2025

Finding a cell of origin can lead to finding new ways to detect and stop pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which makes up more than 90% of pancreatic cancers. Read More

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

Survivor University, a free educational support program, and Lifestyle Medicine Cancer Care are helping patients live healthier lives during treatment and beyond.

Published on Monday, November 3, 2025

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

Front and Center: Dr. Devika Das

As chief of hematology and oncology at UMMC and CCRI’s associate director of clinical affairs, Das focuses on education, research and patient care.

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

Life is active for Meaghan Odum of Jackson. The wife, mother, community volunteer, doctoral student, manager and influencer isn’t letting breast cancer stop her.

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

Improving cancer care and research in Mississippi inspired Johnny and Renee McRight and their family to support the It’s About Time Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Published on Monday, October 6, 2025

 Lloyd Gray of The Hardin Foundation

Hardin Foundation pledges $2.5M for “once-in-a-generation” UMMC cancer center expansion

Published on Tuesday, September 2, 2025

 Cytotechnician Camrell Williams processes cervical cytology specimens in the Cytology Laboratory at UMMC.

UMMC’s See, Test and Treat promotes preventative health care with free cancer screenings

Published on Monday, March 31, 2025

 Dr. Shannon Orr shares the 2024 findings of the Mississippi Colorectal Center Roundtable during an announcement at the Mississippi Legislature.

Mississippi coalition unites to boost colorectal cancer screenings, save lives

Published on Friday, March 7, 2025

 The Singhs’ research efforts have produced more than a hundred publications and over $15 million in grant funding, mostly from the National Cancer Institute. They also secured multiple patents and co-founded a start-up company, Tatva Biosciences, to commercialize their lab findings.

Couple’s dynamic partnership advances cancer research, addresses health disparities

Published on Monday, February 3, 2025

 The new five-story, 250,000+ square foot facility will offer advanced care, groundbreaking research and a welcoming space to enhance patient care and access.

Mississippi couple commits $25 million gift to benefit UMMC cancer care, research

Published on Tuesday, January 21, 2025

 Dr. Ajay Singh, professor of cell and molecular biology and associate director of basic and translational research at CCRI, and Dr. Shashi Anand, instructor, are testing the biochemical changes that occur in cancer cells when exposed to different types of growth environments.

Cancer Center and Research Institute secures $1.4 million grant for prostate cancer research

Published on Monday, December 30, 2024

 Image for Cancer Center, nursing student leaders, operational excellence spotlighted

Cancer Center, nursing student leaders, operational excellence spotlighted

Published on Monday, November 11, 2024

 Patrick Harrington advocates for cancer awareness and smoking cessation following his own health experiences and free lung cancer screening at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

UMMC offers screenings to detect early stage lung cancer

Published on Monday, November 4, 2024

 Dr. Rojymon Jacob was appointed chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology in 2024.

Passion to care, mentor guides career of new radiation oncology chair

Published on Monday, October 14, 2024

 Dr. Pierre de Delva, right, UMMC division chief of General Thoracic Surgery and chair of the Mississippi Lung Cancer Roundtable, and Dr. Jonathan Hontzas, assistant professor in the School of Population Health and director of the ACT Center and Lung Cancer Screening Program at UMMC, view a low-dose CT scan, the only proven lung cancer screening tool.

UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute’s lung cancer screening program secures $1.8 million grant

Published on Monday, September 30, 2024

 Sharon McAllister emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and faith, offering hope and advice to fellow cancer patients. She urges them not to be afraid and to seek out a community, as these can make a meaningful difference on their journey.

Survivor University pilot program empowers cancer patients with holistic support, education

Published on Monday, August 26, 2024

 Image for Medical Center, faculty, student and caregivers on national stage

Medical Center, faculty, student and caregivers on national stage

Published on Monday, August 12, 2024

 Cytologist Mirna Vargas screens a cervical PAP smear in the microscope for abnormal cells during the April screening event.

See, Test and Treat event in Holmes County offers free screening

Published on Monday, July 22, 2024

 Patricia Hurrod receives the first CAR T therapy treatment in the state of Mississippi.

UMMC first in state to offer CAR T therapy for persistent cancer

Published on Monday, May 20, 2024

 Cytotechnician Camrell Williams processes cervical cytology specimens in the Cytology Laboratory at UMMC.

Dozens screened at See, Test and Treat event

Published on Monday, April 8, 2024

 Dr. Keli Xu, associate professor for the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, conducts research on pancreatic cancer and breast cancer. Here, he examines mammogram tissue using various models.

UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute to seek national designation

Published on Monday, January 29, 2024

 Dr. Rodney Rocconi’s childhood familial experiences with cancer, coupled with his life’s work in cancer research has come full circle through his position as director for the CCRI. His ultimate vision is to obtain National Cancer Institute designation for the cancer center.

Dr. Rodney Rocconi: Ole Miss alumnus returns home to lead call to arms to improve cancer care

Published on Monday, July 10, 2023

 Pharmacy technician III and patient advocate Shannon Strong helps underinsured and uninsured patients receive free medication or treatments by collaborating with pharmaceutical companies.

Front and Center: Shannon Strong

Published on Monday, June 12, 2023

 Nykeria Mcdougle, a cytotechnician in the cytology lab at UMMC, prepares patient specimen for testing as part of the See, Test & Treat event at the Jackson Medical Mall.

See, Test & Treat: Powerful preventative and educational tool to combat cancer

Published on Monday, March 27, 2023