In The News

One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer — the second most common cancer among women in the United States — during their lifetime. Nanna Helen Sulai, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Tyler, emphasizes the importance of early detection and shares the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

While most cancer happens by chance, about five to ten percent of cases are hereditary. These cases may be passed down to the next generation, causing a higher risk of cancer. Jeni Watson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, at Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center shares how genetic testing for breast cancer can help you take steps toward early detection and prevention.

From cancer survivor to marathon runner. Angelo Ciardella, patient of Michael Herman, , M.D., Texas Oncology—Austin North Radiation Oncology and Round Rock, was diagnosed with head and neck/larynx cancer, stage four. Ciardella went through eight rounds of chemo, 35 rounds of radiation and claims his key to success is his stubbornness. Ciardella is now preparing to cover 26.2 miles in an upcoming marathon "to show that he can beat cancer and also show people that the stage four cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.”

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, Aguirre, 42, shared how staying fit helped her navigate complex breast cancer and become a certified cancer exercise specialist inspiring other breast cancer patients.

Dr. Emmalind Aponte, Aguirre’s oncologist at Texas Oncology–San Antonio, said Aguirre is an example that if someone has the sickness, they can try to do other things and keep normalcy in their life. She said Aguirre has remained positive, able to keep exercising, and has adapted her fitness goals through her journey.

Other than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way to combat breast cancer. Learn about the signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of getting screened annually to reduce the risk of a late-state breast cancer diagnosis.

With one in eight women developing breast cancer in her lifetime, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way for women to combat breast cancer. Learn about the signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of getting screened annually to reduce the risk of a late-state breast cancer diagnosis.

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, a million thoughts run through her head. What type of breast cancer do I have? How quickly is it growing? Has the cancer spread? Will I lose one or both of my breasts? All of this can have a profound impact on the treatment decisions a woman makes – especially in cases where breast surgery may play a pivotal role in their overall treatment plan. Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, Texas Breast Specialists–Cedar Park and Georgetown, Ashwani Agarwal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Corsicana, Liza O.Thalheimer, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists–Houston Willowbrook, North Cypress and Tomball and Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center share more about how surgery is one of the primary treatments for breast cancer and how it’s used after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Each person has a unique set of preferences and concerns related to the physical changes associated with surgery for breast cancer. Allison DiPasquale, M.D., Texas Breast Specialists–Medical City Dallas explains that patients should evaluate which surgical procedures are right for them based on their own priorities and goals and address any questions or concerns with their physician.

In 2017, Paul Lang was at a self-professed low moment in his life. He was a recently divorced father of three, just found out he was being laid off from his job in the tech industry, and then was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to medical breakthroughs in cancer treatment and his expert care team, led by Kathryn E. Hudson, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central, Paul's leukemia is in remission, and cancer cells have been undetectable for the past three years. Paul’s advice to others going through their own cancer journey is “No matter what, don’t lose hope. Fight every step of the way.”

Steve Dombek considers himself unbreakable. It's been his motto since he was diagnosed with leukemia and multiple myeloma in 2015. Dombek's doctor Jeff Yorio, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central, introduced him to the Flatwater Foundation, a program that provides mental health therapy to individuals and families coping with a cancer diagnosis. Moved by Flatwater’s mission, Steve now advocates and raises awareness about mental health while giving back to his community.