In The News

Clinical trials rigorously follow regulatory guidelines to ensure patient safety while offering the potential for more effective treatments and innovative care options. Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, and Jingdong Su, M.D., Ph.D., Texas Oncology–Jacksonville, Nacogdoches and Tyler, share how advancements in clinical trials and research play a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Palliative medicine plays a vital role in cancer care by providing symptom relief and enhancing patients' quality of life, contrary to the common misconception that it is solely for end-of-life situations. Stephanie Y. Terauchi, M.D., FAAHPM, palliative medicine physician at Texas Oncology explains that by addressing both physical and emotional challenges, palliative care supports patients throughout their treatment journey and can lead to improved outcomes and potentially longer survival.

This Colon Cancer Awareness Month, health leaders are raising concerns about the rise in cases amongst younger people.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Dr. Thiru Lakshman joined KVUE to talk about prevention, detection and treatment.

Oluchukwu E. Oluoha, M.D., Texas Oncology–Baytown and Pasadena, emphasizes the importance of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment and encourages cancer patients to consider participating. He suggests patients ask their oncologists about the types of clinical trials available, the benefits and risks involved, and their eligibility for participation, noting that clinical trials adhere to stringent regulatory requirements and offer potential access to new treatments.

When it comes to cancer prevention, colorectal cancer stands out for a simple reason: with proper screening and early detection, it's not just highly treatable—it's often preventable. Despite this, it remains the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The disconnect between preventability and mortality rates points to a critical awareness gap.

R. Daniel Zaunbrecher III, M.D., Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Austin Central and Austin South, highlights the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults, emphasizing symptoms like rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits, as well as risk factors such as family history, diet, and lifestyle. He also notes the importance of early detection through screenings starting at age 45 and shares the various treatment modalities associated with this cancer type.

Thiru V. Lakshman, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Austin Central and Austin North, highlights the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer, particularly among younger individuals, which led to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowering the recommended screening age from 50 to 45. He emphasizes that early detection through screening colonoscopy can lead to cure rates as high as 90-95% when cancer is caught in its early stages.

In this video essay, Anjelica Cazares, host of the Latina Leadership Podcast, shares her personal journey with her first mammogram and discusses the importance of breast health awareness among Latinas. Ines Sanchez-Rivera, M.D., Texas Oncology–El Paso Gateway and El Paso Grandview, also highlights the significance of open conversations about breast health, the role of genetic and biomarker testing, various screening methods, how Texas Oncology is expanding access to the latest innovations through clinical trials, and more.

Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, and Rachel Elizabeth West, RN, ANP-C, Texas Oncology–Pittsburg, discuss the importance of screening and understanding risk factors and signs of colorectal cancer, highlighting that despite advancements in screening and treatment reducing mortality rates, increasing incidence among those under 50 underscores the need for vigilance and proactive health measures.