TV Coverages

With two weeks left in legislative session, the Texas Senate Finance Committee continues to hear testimonies from healthcare leaders addressing health plans and preauthorization for health care coverage. Debra Patt, M.D., PhD, MBA, executive vice president of policy and strategic initiatives, who also serves as the Texas Medical Association Chair, Council on Legislation, was featured on KXAN-TV testifying for House Bill 3459, the proposal to remove healthcare barriers.

CHRISTUS Health and Texas Oncology broke ground on the 85,000-square-foot Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Center. The facility will consist of specialized areas of Texas Oncology and provide advanced inpatient care for complex cancer patients comparable to larger cities.

The drop in preventative cancer screenings during the pandemic has caused cancers to be diagnosed at later, more advanced stages. Shaun McKenzie, M.D., FACS, surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Austin North and South Austin, joined KTBC-TV’s “Good Day Austin” show to explain the impact of delayed cancer screenings on late-stage diagnoses, the importance of early detection, and protocols to ensure patient safety during in-clinic screenings.

The Texas Medical Association showed support for several healthcare-related bills that expand access through telemedicine, such as House Bill 4 and House Bill 5. Debra Patt, M.D., PhD, MBA, executive vice president of policy and strategic initiatives at Texas Oncology, who also serves at the Texas Medical Association chair, joined FOX 7 to discuss the healthcare legislation currently moving through the Texas Legislature.

Prostate cancer patient Don Cooper was surprised to find out he had a BRCA gene mutation, which is often associated with breast and ovarian cancers. Carl Chakmakjian, D.O., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Waco, explains that men with a BRCA gene mutation are at higher risk for developing prostate cancer and the importance of genetic testing for individuals whose family members have the gene mutation.

Charles Aguillon was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 48 after years of unexplained digestive issues. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Charles and Jeff Yorio, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, explain the significance not missing annual cancer screenings and staying in tune with your body.

After fighting prostate cancer for almost 13 years, Don Cooper learned he had a genetic predisposition to cancer called the BRCA2 gene mutation. Carl Chakmakjian, D.O., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Waco explains the significance of genetic testing for BRCA gene mutations that can help individuals to make informed decisions toward their own cancer prevention.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and while rates of colon cancer are increasing among younger people, there are proactive measures people can take to lower their chances of developing the disease. Clark Kardys, M.D., colon and rectal surgeon, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Colon & Rectal Surgery San Antonio Medical Center explains why regular screenings, which can help prevent and detect colon cancer early, are important.

Mike Haddox, a Texas Oncology patient who was diagnosed with colon cancer last year and has no family history of the disease, advises others to get keep up with routine screenings for colon cancer. Rachel Weinheimer, M.D., colon and rectal surgeon, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Amarillo, explains why regular screenings are important in the fight against colorectal cancer.

During the pandemic, physicians have been concerned that delayed screenings will lead to cancers being diagnosed at more advanced stages. Daniel Farray, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Weslaco, joins KRGV-TV’s “Daytime with Kimberly & Esteban” show to discuss why early detection, particularly breast cancer screenings, is important for long-term survival and breast cancer symptoms women should be aware of.