Our Cancer Programs

Our cancer programs give you access to an exceptional level of care close to home. Your medical team includes trusted oncologists, hematologists, pathologists, surgeons and other specialists. Our long history treating complex conditions means that we offer several treatment options not available everywhere. 

As an academic medical center, we actively conduct research to advance cancer treatment. When new therapies become available, Mays Cancer Center is often among the first places you’ll find them.

What you need to know about our cancer programs

Highlights of our programs include:

• Exceptional cancer care: Our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center means you receive an exceptional level of care. We are in regular communication with colleagues at MD Anderson to ensure that you receive the research-based therapies that are right for your needs. Learn more about our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center.
• National recognition: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has recognized our commitment to high-quality cancer care. We are the only NCI-designated cancer center in Central and South Texas. This designation means we are bringing a higher level of care to cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Learn more about our NCI designation.
• Surgical expertise: Our team includes highly skilled surgeons who often use advanced technologies to treat complex tumors. These efforts help us safely remove cancer, even in hard-to-reach areas, with less impact on healthy tissue. Find out more about cancer surgery.
• Commitment to cancer research: Researchers in our cancer programs are uncovering innovative methods for diagnosing and treating many types of cancer. You may be eligible to participate in these efforts through clinical trials. Explore cancer research and clinical trials.
• Team approach: Doctors in our cancer programs often work in teams to carefully plan treatments with a level of coordination that leads to high-quality services.
• Partnership in your whole health: We put extra effort into helping you and your loved ones cope with the practical challenges and emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis. We offer a range of support services that can make living with cancer a little less stressful. Get more information about patient and family services.

Our cancer programs

We offer a broad range of cancer programs treating:

Common and rare adult cancers

You have access to comprehensive care and support for cancers that occur frequently and those that are less common. Our programs address:

• Brain and spinal cord tumors: Our team delivers some of today’s most advanced treatment options, including sophisticated surgeries and radiation therapy techniques.
• Breast cancer: Mays Cancer Center is a premier breast cancer program in South Texas. We deliver comprehensive treatment and support.
• Cancer of unknown primary site: Some cancers have no obvious origin. Our experts diagnose and treat these cancers effectively.
• Endocrine cancer: Our expertise includes inherited issues, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.
• Eye cancer: Ophthalmologists work alongside other medical specialists to provide the most appropriate therapies for your needs.
• Gastrointestinal cancer: We treat digestive system cancers using a personalized approach and advanced therapies. 
• Genitourinary cancer: You receive services from nationally recognized experts in bladder, kidney and prostate cancer. 
• Gynecologic cancer: We treat all cancers affecting female reproductive organs, including the cervix and ovaries.
• Head and neck cancer: You receive personalized services to treat head and neck cancers, including throat, thyroid and voice box cancer.
• Leukemia and other blood cancers: Our blood disorder specialists offer advanced therapies for rare and common cancerous and precancerous blood disorders.
• Liver tumors and liver cancer: You have access to comprehensive evaluations from multiple specialists in one visit.
• Lung cancer: Medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer deliver nationally recognized care close to home.
• Sarcomas: Our multidisciplinary clinic treats patients dealing with complex sarcomas.
• Skin cancer: Dermatologists offer Mohs surgery, the “gold standard” for treating advanced skin cancers.

Cancers affecting children and young adults

Mays Cancer Center is home to a pediatric oncology program that cares for children of all ages who are affected by rare and complex conditions. 

We offer specialized programs for:

• Adolescents and young adults: Adult and pediatric cancer doctors work together to tailor services to the unique needs of patients in their teens, 20s and 30s.
• Neurofibromatosis: Cancer experts, neurologists, eye doctors and other specialists work together to provide lifelong care.
• Pediatric brain and spinal tumors: Pediatric neuro-oncologists diagnose and treat tumors of all types in newborns, children and adolescents.
• Pediatric sarcomas: We treat children with connective tissue tumors, including Ewing sarcoma and bone cancer.
• Pediatric thrombosis: Pediatric blood disorder specialists (hematologists) specialize in helping children avoid and recover from dangerous blood clots. 
• Childhood cancer survivorship: As the end of treatment approaches, we develop personalized plans to manage future cancer risk and maximize well-being.

Additional Mays Cancer Center programs

We offer additional adult services that are not widely available in South Texas, including:

• Blood disorder care: Our hematologists treat noncancerous blood conditions including hemophilia, sickle cell disease and rare disorders.
• Cancer genetics program: We help you find out whether you face a higher risk of inherited cancers and what you can do about it.
• Cardio-oncology program: We provide monitoring and treatment recommendations to lower the risk of cancer care-related heart complications.