TV Coverages

World Cancer Day aims to raise worldwide awareness and improve education around preventable cancer deaths while seeking to reduce the global impact of cancer. Texas Center for Proton Therapy is committed to reducing cancer-related deaths in North Texas and beyond by offering a specialized treatment. Proton therapy is a precise form of radiation treatment for a variety of cancers. The treatment’s accuracy works to eliminate cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue near the tumor. As a result, patients get the benefit of extremely precise tumor targeting with a lower risk for potential side effects.

With the Christmas holiday just days away, doctors at Texas Oncology are reminding the community to protect those most vulnerable from COVID-19. Anna Priebe, M.D., FACOG, Texas Oncology–Tyler, tells KLTV that while she doesn’t recommend seeing those fighting cancer in-person this holiday, virtual visits offer a safe and fun way to see your loved ones who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Holiday gatherings look different for many cancer patients and their loved ones during this COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer patient Betty Bickett explains that she and her family are taking precautions to celebrate Christmas safely this year, noting the importance of having a strong family support system. Tyler Snedden, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Waco, also shares guidance for cancer patients and their loved ones celebrating the holidays.

Now in her second fight against cancer, Betty Bickett says that she's taking all the precautions to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tyler Snedden, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Waco, shares guidance for cancer patients and loved ones this holiday season, encouraging people to wear a mask around those with weakened immune systems and to gather in smaller groups outside.

As part of a recurring series, “The Ones For Wellness,” KTVT-TV (CBS, Dallas-Fort Worth) spotlighted the story of Denise Hanti, a 42-year-old metastatic breast cancer patient at Texas Oncology who has no family history of the disease. Her physician, Joyce O'Shaughnessy, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, discussed treatments for metastatic breast cancer and the need for continued research. 

Convalescent plasma therapy has been used in Austin to treat COVID-19 patients. However, as health officials expect a second spike in cases in November, We Are Blood, Central Texas’ blood bank, will be testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an effort to identify more convalescent plasma donors. Jeff Yorio, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, explains that hundreds of local COVID-19 patients have received convalescent plasma transfusions as part of their treatment.

Arianna Apodaca, a 21-year-old breast cancer patient, and Sharon Wilks, M.D., FACP, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Northeast, were featured on WOAI-TV and KABB-TV discussing the importance of early detection. Arianna and Dr. Wilks encouraged women to take control of their health, be aware of any changes, and get annual screenings to catch cancer early.

Sylvia Jaramillo, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin North Suite 300, joined In Focus Texas to sound the alarm over the dangers of delaying breast cancer screenings because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Dr. Jaramillo, a 75 percent reduction in screenings during the peak of COVID-19 has resulted in cancer being detected in later, more aggressive stages. Since safe procedures for undergoing cancer screenings have been established during COVID-19, Dr. Jaramillo encourages women to continue routine screenings.

Amy Woods, a Texas Oncology patient diagnosed with breast cancer last year with no family history of the disease, advises other women, especially young women, to advocate for themselves and their health concerns. Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, breast surgical oncologist at Texas Breast Specialists–Georgetown, urges women to do their due diligence by conducting monthly self-exams and paying attention to unusual changes to their breasts.

For people with a family history of cancer, genetic testing can help determine their risk of developing hereditary cancer. It can also help those with genetic mutations make informed decisions about the best preventative care and treatment. In a story related to genetic testing pricing, Gayle Patel, M.S., CGC, Director of Texas Oncology’s Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) Program, explains that genetic testing is complex, and therefore it’s important that each person is matched with the right test based on their individual needs.