In The News

Texas Oncology patient Revendy Rhodes advocates for individuals to not ignore the symptoms and not ignore your annual screenings by sharing his story this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2021, following a decade filled with devastating losses and challenges, Anita Rentfro received yet another piece of bad news...

With colorectal cancer diagnoses on the rise, especially among younger people, it is critical – and even perhaps life-saving – for patients to have open and candid conversations with a trusted healthcare provider if they are experiencing new symptoms. For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Diaa Osman, D.O., MPH, Texas Oncology–Austin Lakeway and South Austin, Theodoros Voloyiannis, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Webster, and Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, explain how symptoms of hemorrhoids can be similar to those of colorectal cancer as well as the importance of regular screenings to help diagnose and treat the disease in its early stages.

Proton therapy is a targeted form of radiation treatment, destroying cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. For six years, Texas Center for Proton Therapy has strived to improve cancer care for North Texas patients by providing the latest advanced technology. Andrew K. Lee, M.D., MPH, medical director at Texas Center for Proton Therapy answers frequently asked questions about proton therapy, the various cancer types treated, and where patients can learn more or set up a consultation today.

More than 22,000 women in Texas are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society. Melissa Kinney, M.D., FACS, breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists–Flower Mound and Lewisville addresses questions about breast reconstruction, the importance of developing a personalized surgical treatment plan, and the impact of breast cancer on self-perception and body image.

Joyce O'Shaughnessy, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, answers questions about inflammatory breast cancer from her patient, Jennifer Cordts.

The recent survey by Texas Oncology, “EveryBody Has a Story,” reveals the hidden impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment on a patient’s mental health. Texas Oncology’s Stephanie B. Broussard, LCSW-S, APHSW-C, director of social work and palliative care at Texas Oncology, and Carl G. Chakmakjian, D.O., FACP, Texas Oncology–Gatesville, Mexia and Waco, shared with the WACOAN the need for support beyond medical treatment for cancer patients and how others can provide the much needed aid for their loved one going through treatment.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can affect many aspects of a patient’s life, including sexual intimacy and their relationship with a spouse or partner – but intimacy, even while fighting cancer, is important. Francesca Caponi, LMSW, Texas Oncology–Austin Midtown, Muffaddal Morkas, M.D., Texas Oncology–Houston Memorial City, and Tanyel S. Williams, LMSW, ACSW, CHW, ACHP-SW, OSW-C, Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, explain the effects of cancer on relationships and how to strengthen your relationship to feel intimately loved, understood, and comforted.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean changing everything overnight; by starting with small, intentional changes in their daily routine, patients can create lasting healthy habits. Texas Oncology shares five ways to build healthy lifestyle habits that may decrease your risk for cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 42 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. may be preventable through healthy lifestyle changes. While making these changes can be difficult, it starts with a few simple steps; Texas Oncology shares five ways to decrease the risk of developing cancer in Arlington Today’s February issue.