In The News

Breast cancer diagnoses are rising among younger women, increasing at an annual rate of 1.7%. Dr. Lucy Wallace, Texas Breast Specialists-Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, discusses the different factors that are causing this increased rate of cancer. Dr. Wallace stressed the importance of early detection and participating in an annual screening.

In the latest season of "And Just Like That…", a character is diagnosed with prostate cancer following some symptoms. Dr. Julia Willingham, Texas Urology Specialists-Fort Worth Clearfork, provides insight that this type of cancer in early stages has no symptoms. She shares the typical path of diagnosis and how it differs from the show.

A new state law aims to make CAR T-cell therapy more accessible to rural patients by removing the requirement for facilities to have Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) certification in order for insurance to cover the treatment. Dr. Houston Holmes, medical director of hematology at Texas Oncology, explains that the distance patients must travel and the complexity of the treatment can make it difficult for those with personal responsibilities and obligations to receive care. 

Texas Oncology has recently broken ground on a new $120 million cancer center in Plano, Texas. Designed with both patients and care teams in mind, the facility prioritizes comfort and efficiency. The new center will centralize and streamline services by consolidating four existing locations into a single, state-of-the-art site.

Robert Johnson a Texas resident that has been living with stage four prostate cancer for seven years sat down to discuss his journey.

David Oates was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and was deemed a suitable candidate for a trial drug at the Texas Oncology-Odessa facility.

Actor and wrestling star John Cena has been diagnosed with skin cancer twice, prompting him to raise awareness about the importance of wearing sunscreen for skin cancer prevention. Jeff Yorio, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central, highlights how public discussions about skin cancer can reduce stigma, the differences between melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, how to check for signs of skin cancer, and the role of early detection in successful treatment.

Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, and Tanyel S. Williams, LMSW, ACSW, CHW, ACHP-SW, OSW-C, Texas Oncology–Greenville Lou & Jack Finney Cancer Center, Longview Cancer Center, Paris, and Pittsburg, highlight how spending time outside can significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their mental and physical well-being, reducing stress, and offering a safe environment for social interaction and physical activities.

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.