In The News

Rebecca L. Wiatrek, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Austin Central and Round Rock joined KTBC-TV’s (FOX, Austin) “HealthBeat” segment to discuss stomach cancer, in light of country singer Toby Keith’s recent death by this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, stomach cancer accounts for 1.5% of all new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., making this disease fairly rare, yet one to know the signs and symptoms for.

Amy Faulkner, 48, an honors and AP teacher at China Spring High School, spoke with KWTX-TV (CBS, Waco) about her cancer treatment journey and how she balanced life as a high school English teacher, never calling in sick a single day. Her oncologist, Carl Chakmakjian, D.O., FACP, Texas Oncology-Gatesville, Mexia, and Waco, shared more about Amy’s treatment and how well she responded, emphasizing how tough she is. 

When it comes to the heart and cancer treatment, balancing the effectiveness of cancer therapies with the preservation of heart function is essential to improving the long-term cardiovascular health of cancer patients. Karen Cohen, M.D.,Texas Oncology–Austin Central and Round Rock and Andrew Jackson, M.D., Texas Oncology–The Woodlands, share how healthcare providers and cancer patients can make informed decisions when it comes to matters of the heart.

Arlene E. Garcia-Soto, M.D., FACOG, gynecologic oncologist at Texas Oncology–Plano Prestonwood, joined Univision Austin to share advice on cervical cancer prevention and early detection, discuss patients' treatment options, and dispel common myths and misconceptions.

Unlike traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy involves targeted proton beams that can deliver precise, high doses of radiation, that “paint” tumors layer by layer, to destroy cancerous cells. The versatility of proton therapy makes it a valuable tool for patients facing the challenge of recurrent or second primary cancers and extends to a wide range of cancer types, including cancers of the brain, head and neck, lung, and breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecologic cancers.

Cervical cancer rates are increasing among women in their 30s and 40s. This January, cervical cancer awareness month, Texas Oncology shared with KCEN-TV (NBC, Temple) their expertise on this disease and the symptoms women should note that can develop overtime in spotting cervical cancer.

The American Cancer Society published their 2024 Cancer Facts & Figures, which detailed the latest cancer incidence and death rates for the U.S. Mika Cline, M.D., Texas Oncology-Austin Midtown and Marble Falls joined KTBC-TV’s (FOX, Austin) “HealthBeat” to break down the findings, share what’s driving the projected 2 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. and how Americans can take control of their health and get their annual cancer screenings.

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and Jennifer L. Brown, M.D., M.S., Texas Oncology–Beaumont, Kingwood and Helen Dinkelspiel Eshed, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin North Suite 300 are empowering individuals with accurate information about cervical cancer and HPV vaccinations, clarifying any misconceptions.

Tanyel S. Williams, LMSW, ACSW, CHW, ACHP-SW, OSW-C,  a social worker at Texas Oncology–Greenville Lou & Jack Finney Cancer Center, Longview Cancer Center, Palestine Cancer Center, Paris, and Pittsburg, discusses the role of cancer caregivers, noting their responsibilities as patient advocates and ways for caregivers to deal with the emotional impact of cancer, as well as the importance of effective collaboration and advance care planning.

In honor of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Nayyar T. Syed, M.D., of Texas Oncology–Mt. Vernon, Pittsburg, and Sulphur Springs, shares important information about the link between HPV and cervical cancer and guidance around the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening.