University of Alabama Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center
When choosing a clinic at which to receive medical treatment for mesothelioma, there are numerous factors that patients would be wise to consider. One of the difficulties faced by mesothelioma patients is that although the disease can often take decades to manifest, by the time they receive a mesothelioma diagnosis it is generally in stage 3 or stage 4. Consequently it is important that patients find physicians and hospitals that possess experience in treating this deadly form of cancer; this is definitely a time in which it is a good idea to see someone who has specialized in the malignant mesothelioma care. In addition, it's also important to select a cancer center run by caring people who will take the time to explain the treatment alternatives and with whom you and your family are comfortable. Some parts of the country do not have specialized clinics for relatively uncommon disorders such as pericardial mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma; if you live in such an area you may need to temporarily relocate so as to obtain the type of medical treatment you want.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of 39 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S. so designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Treatments are available for all types of cancer; there is a special section devoted to mesothelioma cancer (a type of asbestos cancer).
The UAB Cancer Center received its first grant in 1972. Over the next three years, the center received $4.3 million; it was converted to a Cancer Center Core Support Grant in February of 1975. These grants enabled the center to dedicate 24,000 square feet of space to genetics, virology, immunology, and NMR research. Over the next ten years, another 72,000 square feet was turned over to Special Cancer Research, biohazardous research, the School of Medicine's McCallum Basic Health Sciences Building, and laboratory research space .
Today, the University of Alabama Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center receives $100 million in federal and private funds. The Center employs over 300 lab researchers as well as "physician-scientists" who work in both patient care and laboratory settings.
The Center has been recognized as a national leader in cancer research and treatment. They have received a number of highly competitive "Specialized Program of Research Excellence" grants in addition to thousands of annual from those interested in contributing to cancer research and treatment.
Contact Information
1824 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 934-4011
Sources
University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mesothelioma Treatment Section
http://www.ccc.uab.edu/
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