Texans with Cancer

In 2023, more than 1.9 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States; more than 139,100 will be in Texas.

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.

2023 State Statistics

• All Cancers: Approximately 44,140 Texans are expected to die of cancer, making it the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
• Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, other than skin cancer. Texas currently ranks fourth in the United States in estimated new cases and third in expected cancer deaths due to prostate cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, other than skin cancer. Texas ranks third in the United States in estimated new cases and second in expected cancer deaths due to breast cancer.
• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Texas for men and women combined. Texas ranks third in the United States in estimated new cases and expected deaths due to lung cancer.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Texas for men and women combined. Nationally, Texas ranks second in expected new cases and estimated cancer deaths due to colorectal cancer.
• Skin Cancer: The Texas heat, combined with the number of Texans who regularly work and play outdoors, creates a perfect climate for skin cancer. More than 5,530 cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in Texas this year. Basal cell and squamous cell are much more prevalent.

Tips for Selecting a Treatment Provider

When deciding on a treatment provider, primary care physicians, family doctors, friends, or loved ones are great resources for talking through all available options. The following are several tips to consider when selecting the best treatment option:

• References: Obtain multiple references from a primary care or specialty physician, which allows you to research and find the physician with whom you feel most comfortable.
• Level of treatment available: Will you 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 you have to travel to multiple locations?
• Cancer type: Does the doctor have experience treating your type of cancer?
• Experience: What are the doctor’s credentials? Is the doctor board certified or have advanced training?
• Communication: Does the doctor communicate with you clearly and treat you with respect?
• Quality of nurses and staff: How comfortable will you feel while you are being treated?
• Insurance: Consider whether the physician and treatment center are covered by your insurance plan.

Networks like Texas Oncology strive to deliver high-quality care from leading physicians, right in the comfort of their own communities. Our mission is to provide excellent, evidence-based care for each patient we serve, while advancing cancer care for tomorrow.