In The News
Read the latest Texas Oncology news and stories highlighting south Texas practices and patients.
Media Outlet: Beaumont Enterprise
4/24/2019- When Robert Birdwell was making the decision on what his specialty would be more than 40 years ago, clinical oncology had only recently been recognized as a medical specialty. In this interview with the Beaumont Enterprise, Dr. Birdwell discusses his decision to return to his hometown to establish a base for people in the area to receive groundbreaking cancer treatment.
4/16/2019- Humana is engaging physician groups, including Texas Oncology, to launch a national, value-based care oncology program to improve the patient experience and outcomes.
4/5/2019- A sharper focus on patient-outcomes is the aim of value-based care programs Texas Oncology has embraced.
Media Outlet: Healthy Magazine
11/15/2018- As 20 percent of Americans that die of lung cancer each year have never smoked, there are many myths associated with the cancer. Dr. Rogelio Salinas, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–McAllen, and Dr. Benjamin West, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–Harlingen, discuss the facts and myths of lung cancer.
Media Outlet: Healthy Magazine
11/15/2018- While location would ideally never be a factor in a patient's access to specialized cancer care, in a state as vast as Texas patients often travel long distances for consultations and treatment. Dr. Benjamin West, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–McAllen, discusses how telemedicine enables physicians to connect directly with patients who need highly specialized care, even if they live many miles away from the physicians’ offices and clinics.
Media Outlet: Healthy Magazine, Cleburne Times-Review
10/15/2018- While millions of people are breast cancer survivors, it remains the most common cancer affecting women. Regardless of the high survival rate of breast cancer, Dr. Nurul Wahid, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–McAllen, and Dr. Sandhya Bejjanki, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–Cleburne, often hear misconceptions or myths about the disease from patients. This penned byline addresses the facts and dispels common myths surrounding breast cancer.
Media Outlet: Healthy Magazine
9/17/2018- Steady declines in breast cancer mortality since 1990 are attributed to a combination of early detection and treatment improvements. Still, fears of chemotherapy and potentially losing their breasts with mastectomy are the top immediate concerns voiced by my patients. To help them discuss those concerns among peers, Dr. Alvaro Restrepo of Texas Oncology–McAllen collaborated with Pink Positive, a nonprofit that provides support groups for patients and caregivers.
Media Outlet: Austin Medical Times, Healthy Magazine
9/1/2018- Cancer treatment advancements and access to high quality care in local communities means that some patients can continue to work during treatment. Texas Oncology physicians discuss how to effectively support a co-worker with cancer.
Media Outlet: The Monitor
8/9/2018- Dr. Suresh Ratnam, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–McAllen, explores the relationship between diabetes and cancer, and discusses healthy behaviors to help residents of the Rio Grande Valley reduce risk, prolong life, and enhance quality of life.
Media Outlet: Austin Medical Times, Healthy Magazine
8/1/2018- Texas Oncology oncologists discuss the diminishing role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment regimens. As more innovative targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation enable doctors to attack specific cancer cells, cancer care teams are seeing better patient outcomes with fewer side effects.