In The News

October is a time to celebrate breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment that helped create more than 3 million survivors in the U.S. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, but the average five year survival rate for breast cancer is 89 percent.

Researchers are unlocking the cellular secrets behind cancer to create promising discoveries in immunotherapy. Considered to be the next frontier in cancer treatment, immunotherapy drugs leverage the human body's built-in, disease-fighting systems, allowing it to pack a super punch against foreign invaders. The growth of cancer cells is slowed or stopped entirely and the cancer cannot spread as a result. 

Cancer care close to home is now more advanced, available and comfortable with the opening of Texas Oncology–San Antonio’s new Comprehensive Care Center. The 40,000 square foot center is dedicated to giving cancer patients enhanced access to medical and surgical oncology services, leading-edge imaging and radiation treatment technology, and research and clinical trials. Designed to service more than 300 patients a day, it is the largest cancer care center in San Antonio.

A little more than 14 months after CMS launched its Oncology Care Model (OCM) with 17 health insurers and 196 physician group practices, the experience seems to be mostly a positive one for participants. Although there have been a few challenges since the program’s July 1, 2016, start, participants agree that the model promotes high-quality care.

Channel 6 News named Pat Aslin the first Outstanding Educator of the 2017-2018 school year. Representatives from Gatesville ISD joined Pat's husband, son and oncologist Dr. Carl Chakmakjian in surpirsing Pat after a chemo treatment. 

Dr. Mathew Meeneghan joins Debbie Bosque at KULM-FM 98.3 to discuss breast cancer on "The Doctor's Point of View" radio show. Dr. Meeneghan talks about modern screening methods and recommendations, the impact of family history, symptoms and treatment options leading into Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Rebecca Wiatrek, a surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, visited KTBC-TV’s “Good Day Austin” to discuss the potential impact of a new blood test that could one day detect cancer long before the first symptoms appear. Early detection is key to being able to cure cancer, and the technology capability to look at blood for signs of the most common cancer types could change the way people are screened in the next five to 10 years. 

Just over a year after The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation's Oncology Care Model (OCM) was rolled out in 192 practices across the United States, participating practices are reporting improvements to quality of care and reductions in emergency room visits for cancer patients as a result of the model.

For those displaced by Hurricane Harvey, there are several resources in Dallas ready to offer assistance, including shelter, FEMA disaster assistance, business resources, temporary housing, insurance, legal assistance, medical assistance, mental health assistance, pet care, schooling, tax relief, and transportation. Texas Oncology was named among the groups offering medical assistance.

Dr. Sandhya Bejjanki of Texas Oncology−Cleburne shares how new innovations and approaches, like immunotherapy, are helping patients win the fight against cancer.