TV Coverages

A new monoclonal antibody treatment called Evusheld for the immunocompromised has been available for providers and patients since early January, but health experts in Texas say people aren’t asking for it. Debra Patt, M.D., PhD, MBA, executive vice president of policy and strategic initiatives at Texas Oncology, joins Spectrum News Austin to explain how Evusheld can help protect immunocompromised patients from COVID-19, as well as the importance of increasing awareness for the treatment.

Blood centers across the country are dealing with a blood crisis. J. Tucker Osteen, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, Texas Oncology–Amarillo Cancer Center explains that multiple areas of medicine need blood readily available such as, trauma and cancer patients, and encourages the community to donate.

The Alamo City welcomed thousands of visitors this week for the 44th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. During the conference, Debra Patt, M.D., PH.D., MBA, medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and an executive vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives, explained the impact COVID-19 has had on routine breast cancer screenings.

It’s the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and this week, it was center stage at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Debra Patt, Debra Patt, M.D., PH.D., MBA, medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and an executive vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives answers viewers questions about breast cancer.

While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer awareness is something women need to keep in mind year round. Amber York, breast cancer survivor, shared with KTBC-TV (FOX, Austin) the importance of screenings and early detection after delaying a routine mammogram then learning she had early stage, triple negative breast cancer. York’s physician, Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, breast surgical oncologist at Texas Breast Specialists–Georgetown, urges women to prioritize their screenings by sharing that one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer survivor Nancy Drexler sat down with KCEN-TV (NBC, Waco) to discuss her diagnosis, treatment, and experience. After being diagnosed at age 49, she underwent a mastectomy, radiation, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. By her 50^th birthday, she was cancer-free. Now, she urges everyone to be diligent about their regular screenings and check-ups to find the disease as early as possible.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, women from all over the world continue to inspire many. Sylvia Guerra Fortuin, two-time breast cancer survivor, who was first diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2013 then again in 2019, shares her journey on keeping up with your mammograms. Sylvia’s physician, Alvaro Restrepo, M.D. of Texas Oncology-McAllen, further explains the importance of early detection, self-examinations starting at age 18 and advocates for routine checkups.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast and ovarian cancer survivor and Texas Oncology patient, Nancy Drexler, spoke with KWTX-TV (CBS, Waco) to share her story and advocate for cancer awareness. During the interview, Nancy encourages others to remember self-examinations, schedule routine screenings and mammograms, and consider genetic testing if diagnosed. She also advocates for men to be aware of their risks for breast cancer. Throughout her journey, Nancy has made it her mission to bring happiness to others by dressing up in holiday costumes and visiting Texas Oncology to brighten the spirits of staff members and patients alike.

In the midst of tackling a new job and moving back to her hometown of Austin, 27-year-old Hattie Sherman found a suspicious lump in her breast. On her first day at her new job, she received a call that she had a three-centimeter triple negative tumor. While both her mother and grandmother had experienced breast cancer, Hattie never expected to be dealing with it at 27. Hattie, her family, and her physician, Debra Patt, M.D., PH.D., MBA, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central and St. David’s Medical Center, advocate for women to be aware of their risk factors and take preventative steps, such as regular screenings and consulting your physician about genetic testing if you have family history.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one family is hoping their talents will inspire patients. Recently, two-time breast cancer survivor, Lisha Mack and her daughter Alex Mack presented “Sisterhood of Hope,” a piece of art work that Alex created for Texas Oncology–Longview Cancer Center.