In The News

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.

Through its robust research program, Texas Oncology is addressing scientific challenges to identify better ways to treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer. Steven Paulson, M.D., medical oncologist and president and chairman of the board at Texas Oncology, shares information about innovative cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy and precision medicine, that have improved the longevity of those with cancer.

The U.S. cancer death rate has fallen 33% since 1991, and Texas is also seeing this downward trend, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. Angela S. Kueck, M.D., FACOG, FACS, at Texas Oncology–Austin North Suite 300 and Horizon Circle, discussed the impacts of the pandemic on delayed screenings, acknowledging the use of telemedicine but emphasizing the importance of routine screening like Pap tests.

Texas Oncology released survey results on cancer, body image, and mental health to raise awareness of the way cancer impacts the physical and emotional state of patients. J. Tucker Osteen, M.D., at Texas Oncology–Amarillo Cancer Center, explained how support group services are vital to help patients manage both their personal and professional relationships and shared he is hopeful the research will lead to more discussions about all aspects of cancer care. 

Some physical changes that patients undergo throughout their cancer journey are visible like hair loss during chemotherapy, for example, which are often expected by both patients and the people around them. But the physical impacts of cancer can go beyond this and impact a patient’s perception of themselves. Although patients with cancer may feel both grateful and grief towards their bodies, Stephanie B. Broussard, director of social work and palliative care at Texas Oncology, emphasizes how important seeking support from a professional can be throughout this process.

Helen Eshed, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central and South Austin, and Hope Mojica join the Inside Austin Podcast to speak about the clinical and personal side of a cervical cancer diagnosis for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2022, 65-year-old Julee Ware was diagnosed with stage IIB cervical cancer. Supported by family, friends, and her three beloved rescue dogs, Julee worked hard to look for the hidden blessings in her journey. Guided by her care team, she received radiation, chemotherapy, and brachytherapy treatments—even becoming the first patient at Texas Oncology to undergo the Signatera blood matching program. Julee received a clean bill of health in November, and she credits her Texas Oncology care team with leading her down the road to recovery.

Texas Oncology completed a survey making a connection between the physical and emotional state of cancer patients, reporting 70% of patients said they experienced physical change during and after cancer treatments that negatively effected their mental health. Praveen Reddy, M.D., of Texas Oncology–Wichita Falls Cancer Center, says it’s important for patients to seek support services and inform their medical team about how they’re feeling.