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Experts estimate that in 2009, nearly 1.5 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, including more than 97,000 new cases in Texas. With leading-edge treatment options available close to home through Texas Oncology, Texans are benefiting from more breakthroughs in cancer care, leading to greater treatment success.
State Statistics
- More than 37,000 Texans will die of cancer this year, second only to heart disease, the leading cause of death.
- In men, prostate cancer is the leading cancer threat. In 2009, Texas is expected to rank second in the nation for the most new cases and third in number of deaths due to prostate cancer.
- Breast cancer is the greatest cancer incidence risk for women. Researchers estimate that Texas will rank third in the nation for the most new cases and third in number of deaths due to breast cancer in 2009.
- Approximately every three hours, a Texas woman dies from breast cancer, yet in 2005*, only half (51.2 percent) of American women age 40 or older reported receiving a mammogram in the preceding year.
- Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Texas for men and women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
- Colon cancer ranks third in expected incidences and second in deaths for Texas men and women combined in 2009.
Successful cancer treatment is dependent on early detection and quality of care. Having access to evidence-based treatment services and selecting the right option for each individual patient is essential.
Tips for Selecting a Treatment Provider
Most adults will share the treatment decision with a partner or spouse, but parents, friends, and children are other key influences. Following are several tips to consider when selecting the best treatment option:
- Obtain multiple references from a primary care physician, which allows patients to research and find the physician with whom they feel most comfortable.
- Consider the level of treatment available: Will the patient have access to the latest treatments, as well as the most innovative techniques through clinical trials?
- Location and ease of access: Will treatment be available close to home and can all activities be completed in one complex, or will the patient have to travel to multiple locations?
- Quality of nurses and staff: How comfortable will you feel while you are being treated?
- Consider whether the physician and treatment center are covered by the patient’s insurance plan.
Networks like Texas Oncology ensure that cancer patients obtain high-quality treatment from leading physicians right in the comfort of their own communities. Our mission is to provide quality cancer care close to home, making treatment selection easier for patients by providing leading-edge cancer treatment in previously underserved communities.
Sources: American Cancer Society, Texas Cancer Council, Texas Cancer Registry, and Texas Department of State Health Services
*2005 represents latest available national data
Updated 08/20/09