Cedar Park In The News
We are pleased to keep you informed on the latest news related to our practice in Cedar Park.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
1/13/2025 - A recent advisory by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasized the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, highlighting that alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. In an interview with the Austin American-Statesman, CDR Christopher R. Oxner, M.D., FACS, USN, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Austin Central and Cedar Park, noted the need for increased awareness among both the public and medical professionals regarding alcohol's cancer risks, emphasizing how alcohol can damage DNA, increase inflammation, and alter hormone levels, which can raise the risk of various cancers.
Publication: KXAN-TV (NBC, Austin)
12/18/2024 - Christopher Arias, a father of four who was recently diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer, spoke with KXAN-TV (NBC, Austin) to share his experiences. His medical oncologist, Hareesha Vemuganti, M.D., Texas Oncology–Cedar Park and Leander, also joined to shed light on the risk factors and symptoms associated with colon cancer, as well as the increase in colon cancer diagnoses among people under 50.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Houston Medical Times
4/2/2024 - While the prospect of cancer recurrence may evoke feelings of fear, anger, or uncertainty, it’s also good to remember that feelings of hope and resilience can coexist. Hope Engelbrecht, M.D., Texas Oncology–Cedar Park, Round Rock North and Abhilasha Patel, M.D., Texas Oncology–Houston Willowbrook Radiation Oncology, explain that understanding the nature of recurrence, addressing the emotional and practical concerns to cope with the diagnosis, and actively engaging in treatment decisions, one can navigate the journey of cancer recurrence with support, strength, and perseverance.
2/1/2024 - Hope Engelbrecht, M.D., discusses what she’s learned from working with cancer patients and the personal connections she makes as a palliative medicine physician, as well as how she gets involved with the community.
Publication: KTBC-TV (FOX, Austin)
11/3/2023 - In March 2023, Brad Cone was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Less than a year later, near the end of his cancer treatment, he celebrated 25 years as the sports announcer for the Cedar Park High School Timberwolves. Despite his diagnosis, he's never missed a single game, and during the last football game of the season, he shared with KTBC-TV how his love for football and the support of the Cedar Park sports community helped him through his fight with cancer. His oncologist, Ashleigh Porter, M.D., Texas Oncology–Cedar Park and Leander, also shared the importance of having hope and finding strength in one's community, noting that Brad's story exemplifies "a perfect recipe for success for any cancer patient."
Publication: KVUE-TV (ABC, Austin)
8/4/2023 - Since December 2022, Keith Westmoreland, patient of Christopher R. Oxner, M.D., FACS, USN, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Austin Central, Cedar Park and South Austin, has been diagnosed with skin cancer four separate times, with two spots on his head and two on his chest. Both Keith and Dr. Oxner joined KVUE-TV (ABC, Austin) to discuss the risks of skin cancer, its symptoms and why this diagnosis is on the rise. In fact, incidence rates for melanoma have been rising rapidly over the past few decades, and in Texas, 4,998 cases of melanoma of the skin are expected in 2023, up 3.2% from 2022.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Houston Medical Times, Palestine Herald-Press
4/1/2023 - Navigating the twists and turns of cancer treatment is challenging, but practicing self-care through journaling can help. Ashleigh Porter, M.D., Texas Oncology–Cedar Park and Leander, Alpa M. Nick, M.D., M.S., Texas Oncology–Katy and Houston Memorial City, and Tanyel S. Williams, LMSW, ACSW, CHW, ACHP-SW, OSW-C, Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, share the emotional and physical benefits of journaling for cancer patients as well as types of cancer journals and tips to get started.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Houston Medical Times, Palestine Herald-Press
1/1/2023 - For cancer patients, attitudes about New Year's resolutions may be different than in years past as cancer can be a catalyst for rethinking priorities and what really matters. Haotong Wang, M.D., Texas Oncology–Cedar Park and Marble Falls and Sanjay Sethi, M.D., Texas Oncology–Sugar Land detail how to be realistic with resolutions, such as implementing a new hobby or focusing on one’s mental health.
12/12/2022 - Ashleigh Porter, M.D., shares how the practice of oncology runs in her family along with her hidden talent of playing ice hockey, which earned her a state champion title.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Houston Medical Times, Palesine Herald-Press
12/1/2022 - Tidings of comfort and joy can take on a different meaning during the holidays as a cancer patient. With so much focus needed to manage your diagnosis and the effects of cancer and treatment, it may be hard or even impossible to maintain some of your family’s beloved holiday traditions. Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, Srinath Sundararajan, M.D., FACP, Texas Oncology–Katy, Bellville and Sealy, and Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, Texas Breast Specialists–Cedar Park and Georgetown share how to talk about the holidays with your children and tips for parenting with cancer this holiday season.