Overview

Welcome to the Regional Cancer Center at Murray-Calloway County Hospital, where comprehensive care is woven into the fabric of our close-knit community. In July 2023, we transitioned to our new state-of-the-art facility, marking a pivotal moment in our commitment to providing exceptional support and treatment for cancer patients and their families. Rooted in the warmth and solidarity of small-town care, our center offers a full spectrum of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. From advanced therapies to compassionate support programs, we’re dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your cancer journey with expertise and empathy. At the Regional Cancer Center, you are not just a patient – you are part of our community, and we are here to stand by your side as you navigate towards healing and hope.

Conditions Treated

Our comprehensive services encompass both medical oncology and radiation therapy, addressing a wide range of diagnoses including:

• Bladder cancer
• Blood cancers (leukemia, multiple myeloma)
• Bone cancer
• Brain cancer and brain tumors
• Breast cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancers (esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, colon, rectal, anal)
• Gynecologic cancers (cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, vulvar)
• Head and neck cancers
• Lung cancer
• Lymphoma
• Prostate cancer
• Sarcoma
• Skin cancer

Additional Services

Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy may be an important part of your cancer treatment. The Regional Cancer Center offers a full range of radiation therapies for all types and stages of cancer. A specialized team has expertise in most types of radiation therapy to treat cancer throughout the body. We work closely with other cancer specialists to create an appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

Learn More about Radiation Oncology

Nutrition Services

The registered dietitians at MCCH work in close collaboration with our oncology specialists to offer customized nutrition guidance tailored to your specific cancer type and treatment.

Our range of services include:

• Nutrition management to address symptoms from your diagnosis as well as side effects arising in treatment
• Creating of personalized, individualized meal plans 
• Information on nutrition supplements to complement your treatment plan 
• Expert guidance on nutrition management for individuals undergoing tube feedings
• Education on healthy eating to ensure your quality of life both during and after treatment

Discuss with your provider to determine if a Nutrition Services referral is in line with your specific needs.

Exercise and Cancer Recovery

While cancer weakens the immune system, exercise boosts the circulation of immune cells that attack cancer. Curated for cancer survivors, our exercise and recovery program offers:

• Supervised exercise sessions at the Center for Health and Wellness
• Supportive group workouts with fellow survivors
• Expert coaching 
• Full membership perks 
• No joining fee within 60 days of completing treatment*

*Requires Oncologist referral or healthcare provider approval

Massage Therapy

Whether you are currently undergoing treatment or navigating life after, massage therapy can help with improving sleep, lessening fatigue, alleviating pain, and easing stress while reducing depression and anxiety. Please consult your physician before making an appointment. To book a session, please contact the Center for Health and Wellness at (270) 762.1348.

Support Groups

The MCCH Breast Cancer Survivors Cancer Support Group meets regularly. Contact Evelyn Wallis at (270) 978-0693 for information on joining the group.

Dr. Abby Dowdy, clinical psychologist, leads a psychotherapy-based support group for patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the MCCH Wellness Center, located at 716 Poplar Street. To register or for general inquiries, please call (270) 762-1570.

Nurse Navigation

The nurse navigation program is designed to provide patients with cancer a comprehensive, personalized care experience throughout their treatment journey. This initiative is aimed at improving patient outcomes, reducing hospital readmissions, and enhancing overall patient satisfaction. The nurse navigator works with each cancer patient to help guide him or her from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. The navigator will coordinate appointments, explain treatment options, and act as a liaison between patients and their healthcare teams.

Key benefits include:

• Seamless coordination of care across different departments and specialists
• Personalized guidance throughout each phase of cancer care
• Assistance with scheduling appointments and understanding treatment plans
• Education and emotional support for patients and their families

This program is available to all cancer patients receiving care at the MCCH Regional Cancer Center, with the goal of improving both clinical outcomes and patient well-being.

Screening

At Murray-Calloway County Hospital, we understand that successful treatment starts with early detection. Below, we provide national screening guidelines for several different cancer types: 

Lung Cancer

For adults aged 50 to 80 who either previously or currently smoke, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).

Breast Cancer

The American Society for Breast Surgeons advises women undergo a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.

Cervical Cancer

Based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women should begin regular Pap testing at age 21 and include high-risk human papillomavirus testing, in combination with Pap smear, starting at age 30.

Colorectal Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine colorectal cancer screening for adults starting at age 45, either by stool-based testing or direct visualization exams like a colonoscopy.

Prostate Cancer

According to The American Cancer Society, men should discuss the benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening using bloodwork such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) with their providers starting at age 50.

Please be aware, the above recommendations are for persons at average risk. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate cancer screening plan based on your specific medical and family history.

Accreditation

American College of Radiology

ACR Accreditation assures patients we provide the highest level of image quality and safety by documenting that MCCH meets requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance.

Commission on Cancer (CoC)

Choosing a CoC accredited cancer program guarantees access to a wide range of services, a collaborative team of specialists for personalized treatment plans, ample resources for cancer information and support, a meticulous cancer registry for tracking types, stages, and treatment outcomes, ongoing patient follow-up, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Our Specialists

Alexander K. Diaz, MD, PhD, DABR, CSCS

Radiation Oncologist

Education

• Undergraduate: BS, University of Georgia
• Medical School: MD, The George Washington University School of Medicine & University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Graduate School: PhD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Internship: Methodist University Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Residency: Duke University Medical Center

Board Certification

• DABR, American Board of Radiology

Additional Certification

• CSCS, National Strength and Conditioning Association

Languages Spoken

• English
• Spanish

Why I Chose MCCH

I firmly believe that receiving care locally, surrounded by friends and family, is as therapeutic as the treatments we provide. I joined MCCH so that folks in this community can stay close to home and get the care they deserve.

Mark Vellek, MD

Oncology & Hematology

Dr. Vellek earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Hospital. He continued his education and completed his Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Alison Sasseen, APRN

Oncology

Alison Sasseen comes to MCCH after serving at various healthcare facilities in the region, including Baptist Health Medical Group Hematology Oncology as a nurse practitioner, Jackson Purchase Medical Center as a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department and Marshall County Hospital as a registered nurse in the emergency room and intensive care unit. A graduate of Murray State University with a Masters of Science in Nursing, Sasseen also holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Murray State University and has 17 years of experience in hematology and oncology.