In The News

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.

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.