Although cancer in children is rare, it is the number one cause of death from disease among children in the United States. There are many different types of childhood cancer, each requiring different treatments or combinations of treatments. Real advances have been made in the past several years in the treatment of most types of childhood cancer, so that many children with cancer can now be cured, if they receive proper treatment from the time of diagnosis. However, much remains to be accomplished. Advances have occurred through the combined efforts of clinicians specializing in the treatment of pediatric cancer, backed by extensive basic research work in the field.

The UMC Children's Cancer Program provides comprehensive treatment for Mississippi children with cancer. The care is administered in the Mississippi Children's Cancer Clinic and in the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.  The program is currently following over 800 children with cancer, including those currently receiving treatment and those who have completed their treatment and still return to the clinic for follow-up care.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) Children's Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi is the only center in the state providing comprehensive care for children with cancer. The UMC Children's Cancer Program in the UMC Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology was begun in 1969 and incorporates a team of medical, surgical, radiotherapy, and pathology sub-specialists, as well as supporting nursing, laboratory, and social work personnel. This team approach provides the various aspects of treatment and supportive care necessary for optimal treatment of children with cancer.

The Medical Center is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a national organization of children’s cancer centers under the auspices of the National Cancer Institute.  The COG is dedicated to improving the cure rate and the quality of life for children with cancer through cooperative clinical and laboratory research.