Cancer Treatment Expanding to Meet Area Needs

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A recent renovation and expansion at the Baptist Cancer Center Starkville Infusion Center is increasing treatment services for its patients.

The $350,000 project doubles the number of infusion chairs at the center.

The growth of patients in the area prompted the expansion.

I reopened earlier this month, and can handle 16 patients at a time.

“Cancer diagnosis has increased every year and actually in the state of Mississippi, the estimated increase is 17,000 cases this year,” says Baptist Cancer Center Director Sherrie Jones.

Jones says the cancer caseload has grown 41% in the past year at the Columbus center.

“That’s our procedure numbers and our treatment numbers. We’re up 41% and we may even have more growth. We have another oncologist coming in June and we are very excited about that. She starts June 1st.”

The center sees and treats all types of cancer, but there are some that are more common.

“Our top two cancers are breast cancer and lung cancer. We also are seeing some growth in colon cancer, as well.”

Earlier diagnosis is leading to more treatment, and higher potential for success.

“The technology has improved. The mammogram machines are so much better, the CT scanners and the MRI/PET scan. We are diagnosing the cases sooner and we are diagnosing more cases, so we’re able to treat them, hopefully, at an earlier stage so we’ll get a cure.”

The expanding caseload is also leading to an expanding staff.

“In addition to the growth with the Oncology Nurses, we have hired Nurse Navigators and they help the patients walk through their journey with cancer. We also offer nutrition services for our cancer patients. We have a social worker, so they really help the patients get through their treatments here.”

Baptist Memorial Golden Triangle will hold free PSA screenings on May 31st.