Q: What is the importance of “Comprehensive” in the title?
A: In 1971, Richard Nixon signed The National Cancer Act. It provided the groundwork for the creation of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and created the designation of “comprehensive cancer centers” to identify those facilities that provided the most advanced cancer care, research and education based on stringent peer-reviewed data. The UAB Cancer Center was named one of the first 11 comprehensive cancer centers. Today, there are a total of 41 nationwide; UAB is the only comprehensive center in Alabama as well as within a five-state region. For a comprehensive designation to be renewed, as UAB’s has been for more than 35 years, an institution must pass a rigorous review process.

Q: Is the Cancer Center a research or treatment facility?
A: Both. The Cancer Center has more than 300 faculty members. Some are basic researchers who work in laboratories. Others focus on “translational” research – in other words, they utilize laboratory research to develop new treatments for patients. Many Cancer Center members are “physician-scientists,” who work in both the laboratory and patient care settings.

Q: What types of cancers are treated at the Cancer Center?
A: The Cancer Center treats every type of cancer, including the "major" diseases (breast, ovarian, lung, etc.). Being a comprehensive center, we are able to offer specialists and treatments for both rare and common cancers that are often unavailable elsewhere.

Q: What specific research is conducted at the Cancer Center?
A: The Cancer Center’s strengths include research involving tumor biology, virology/gene therapy, immunobiology and targeted immunotherapy. Clinical studies, which provide patients access to promising new drugs, are offered for almost every type of cancer. The Cancer Center also conducts numerous clinical studies of cancer prevention drugs and examines strategies for cancer prevention and control. The Center is funded by more than $100-million in federal and private funds, and is internationally recognized for its multidisciplinary collaborations.

Q: Where are patients treated?
A: Patients are seen in several locations. Outpatients are treated at The Kirklin Clinic in Hematology-Oncology, the Breast Health Center, the Prostate Center and the Multidisciplinary GI Clinic. Gynecologic patients are seen at UAB Highlands located near the main campus. Radiotherapy is administered in the Wallace Tumor Institute. Most cancer patients are cared for inside UAB Hospital’s Jefferson Tower or the West and North Pavilions.

In addition to facilities on the UAB campus, patients are seen at the UAB Cancer Center at Acton Road, located at I-459. This state-of-the-art facility offers the expertise of specialists and comprehensive cancer services with the convenience and atmosphere of a private community doctor’s office.

Maps and Directions

Q: What is the Cancer Center’s national ranking?
A: There is no definitive ranking for cancer centers. However, there are benchmarks that recognize the Cancer Center as being a national leader. One of these is our number of SPORE “Specialized Program of Research Excellence” grants. Awarded by the NCI, these highly competitive, multimillion-dollar grants are given to institutions with proven records of interdisciplinary research. SPORE grants are designed to move laboratory findings quickly and safely into the clinical setting. The Center has SPORE grants in: breast cancer, brain tumor and pancreatic cancer.

Q: I want to contribute to cancer research. If I give to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, where does my money go?
A: If you give to the Cancer Center, 100% of your money will stay in Birmingham and support Center efforts. All donations are tax deductible as provided by law.

Q: How can I make an appointment with a Cancer Center physician?
A: Call Cancer Answers, (205) 975-8222 or (800) UAB-0933.

Q: What types of fundraising events does the Cancer Center have?
A: The Cancer Center hosts several fundraisers throughout the year. Among these are the annual golf tournament for prostate cancer research, as well as the Annual Sporting Clays Classic held in the spring. Each November, the Center kicks off its primary fundraising campaign, culminating in February with the Cancer Center Gala.

For more information on the Cancer Center's special events, click here.

Q: Does the Cancer Center offer educational materials for patients and families?
A: Patients or interested community members wishing to obtain cancer information may do so by contacting the Kirklin Clinic Patient Resource Library. For the library's hours and contact information, click here.

Q: Does the Cancer Center offer support groups?
A: Yes, the Cancer Center offers an array of support groups, addressing a wide variety of cancers. For a complete list of support group services, click here.