Courage Over Cancer

Early-onset liver cancer in the Hispanic/Latino population: A growing concern

Early-onset liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, is becoming more common in the Hispanic/Latino population, especially among younger people. While liver cancer rates are decreasing or staying the same in other groups, they have been increasing in Hispanic/Latinos under the age of 50. 

New book provides big recommendations from the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos Conference

Research findings, strategies target the leading cause of Latino death With cancer still rising in the U.S. Latino population, leaders at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) and national cancer experts have published an online book with innovative recommendations to reduce Latino cancer. The book, “Advancing the […]

Renowned oncologist, Zheng, brings $500,000 UT System STARs award to UT Health San Antonio

  Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has been awarded a $500,000 Translational Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) award from The University of Texas System to elevate his research into monitoring pancreatic tumor […]

Where tomorrow’s breakthroughs begin: UT Health San Antonio’s first hospital opens, merging comprehensive care, innovation

This article is featured in the December 2024 issue of San Antonio Medicine Magazine. As the golden sun peeks over the Hill Country skyline, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital begins to stir with the promise of a new day. A physician-scientist steps purposefully through the sleek glass entrance into an atrium bathed […]

What lung cancer patients need to know about cardiothoracic surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery is considered the most effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer because it offers the greatest likelihood of a cure.  

Two UT Health San Antonio scientists awarded V Foundation grants to advance innovative cancer research

This year in the United States, it is projected that more than 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, more than 600,000 people will die of the disease — an average of nearly 1,680 each day. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and basketball coach Jim Valvano […]

Life, legacy of 2024 Basser Global Prize winner Patrick Sung

World-renowned biochemist and expert on the roles of BRCA1 and BRCA 2 in DNA repair, Patrick Sung, DPhil, director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and associate dean for research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) was recently recognized as the 2024 recipient of the […]

Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research earns first NIH grant

The School of Dentistry earned the first National Institutes of Health grant under its new Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research, addressing pain in patients with head and neck carcinoma.

UT Health San Antonio world-renowned expert in BRCA research to be honored for global contributions

  Patrick Sung, DPhil, director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and associate dean for research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is the latest recipient of the 2024 Basser Global Prize. A leading researcher in the field of DNA damage repair and cancer biology, Sung has been awarded the […]

Palliative or supportive care: What's in a name?

As a hospice and palliative care specialist, I see the dedication of our dietitian as she arranges essential supplies and counsels our patients.

Mays Cancer Center radiation oncologist recognized as outstanding mentor to next generation leaders

  David Gius, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and assistant dean of research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), was named this year’s recipient of the prestigious American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Career Recognition Mentorship Award. David Gius, MD, PhD Gius is associate cancer center director […]

Game-changing prostate cancer treatment available at UT Health San Antonio

  One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Of those, one in 44 men will die of the disease. Those statistics from the American Cancer Society are startling. But men facing an advanced prostate cancer diagnosis who are seeking additional treatment options now have one more arrow in their quiver to […]

Oral health’s hidden role in cancer care

Dental care is crucial for cancer patients and survivors to help reduce complications, improve treatment tolerance and enhance overall quality of life, according to oral medicine specialist Tiffany Tavares, DDS, DMSc.

Henrich, new hospital supporters recognized at Luminary event

  The stars aligned perfectly during a night of celebration at the second annual President’s Luminary Honors event at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The annual event, which took place at the soon-to-open UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital, paid tribute to the legacy of William L. Henrich, […]

Renowned cancer researcher brings $500,000 UT System Faculty STARs award to UT Health San Antonio

  Simon Gayther, PhD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and founding director in the school’s Center for Inherited Oncogenesis at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), received a $500,000 UT System […]

Gene-mutation pathway discovery paves way for targeted blood cancers therapies

  Approximately 30% of individuals with myeloid malignancy diseases have a mutation in a certain gene called tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2). This gene is responsible for providing instructions on creating certain proteins and is known to have a tumor-suppressive function. A study published October 2 in Nature is the first to explain the pathway […]

UT Health San Antonio offers new fertility preservation technique for cancer patients

  Female cancer patients at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, have a new option to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment. “It is extremely common that cancer patients will experience the loss of fertility and early menopause after gonadotoxic therapies required for many cancer patients,” said […]

UT Health San Antonio creates innovative organoid for advancing understanding of pancreatic cancer 

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a certain type of pancreatic cancer, is a ruthless killer with an average five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Most patients are diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread throughout their bodies. And the problem is only growing worse. By 2030, pancreatic cancer is expected […]

Excellence in nursing: Amy Cantu, RN, earns 2023-2024 Gold Shield Award

Amy Cantu, RN, has been awarded the prestigious 2023-2024 Gold Shield Clinical Award for her exemplary dedication and outstanding nursing skills.

UT Health San Antonio awarded $12.6 million program grant for cancer research

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio  (UT Health San Antonio) was recently awarded a $12.6 million program project grant (P01) from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute to expand collaborative efforts to explore the biological mechanisms of BRCA1, BRCA2 and related tumor suppressors and to shed light on potential […]

Fall fruits and vegetables to support your cancer journey

Embrace the season with fall fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients like beta carotene and vitamins to support your health during cancer treatment.

The role of genetic testing in cancer prevention and treatment

Discover how genetic testing at the Mays Cancer Center can guide cancer prevention and treatment. Learn about DNA analysis, personalized risk management, and family implications, as our expert counselors support your journey to proactive, informed cancer care.

Coming home: SA native, breast oncologist Jessica Treviño Jones, MD, returns home to fight cancer through education

Breast medical oncologist Jessica Treviño Jones, MD, returns to her San Antonio roots with a mission: to empower her community through cancer education and prevention. From humble beginnings to a leading role in cancer care, her journey inspires hope and change.

UT Health San Antonio appoints alumnus as new executive director of Mays Cancer Center

  Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, alumnus of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has been appointed executive director of Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio and vice president for oncology for the health science center, effective Sept. 1, 2024. Zheng will also be named the Mays Family Foundation Distinguished […]

$2 million CPRIT award brings top cancer researcher to UT Health San Antonio

  As part of the $52 million Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grant funding round announced in May, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) received a $2 million CPRIT recruitment (CPRIT Scholar) funding award to bring top cancer researcher, Maria Falzone, PhD, to the […]

Back-to-school tips for cancer survivors of all ages

Whether you're starting college or kindergarten, it's important to have a plan in place this school year to prioritize your health and well-being. 

Drug shows promise for treating brain tumors resulting from breast cancer, UT Health San Antonio trial reports

  A drug effective in treating breast cancer shows new promise in addressing breast cancer with brain metastases or recurrent glioblastoma, as reported by results of a prospective window-of-opportunity trial at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio). The window trial, in which patients agreed to receive a novel […]

Vaccinations for cancer prevention: A vital step toward a healthier future

Vaccinations like HPV and hepatitis B are crucial in cancer prevention. Learn how these vaccines can significantly reduce your risk of developing related cancers.

Mays Cancer Center receives life-saving gift from American Heart Association to support cancer patients

  Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, has partnered with the American Heart Association to support patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment. The American Heart Association has contributed a $2,000 grant for hypertension and food insecurity clinical programs, 75 blood pressure monitors, and 100 $25 Healthy Rewards Coupons for boxes […]

Cancer patients are getting younger. Mays Cancer Center experts explain the modern factors at play

The risk of aging-related diseases, including cancer, doesn't sharply increase until the age of 50. Why then are so many younger people getting cancer right now?

Palliative care: The untapped potential in your lung cancer journey

Palliative care is a holistic approach designed to improve the quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses like lung cancer. A dedicated team of doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists collaborates with a patient’s existing health care providers to offer an extra layer of support and specialized care. Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms, side effects and stress for those living with lung cancer.

Meet the Mays Cancer Center's newest providers

We're thrilled to introduce four exceptional new doctors to our cancer center team! Their diverse expertise and dedication make them ready to provide top-notch care and innovative treatments. Read to learn more about their impressive backgrounds and how they'll enhance our patient services. 

New breathing technique at Mays Cancer Center protects healthy tissue from radiation treatment

The simple act of holding a breath during a radiation cancer treatment called deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) could mean the difference between irradiating healthy tissue and sparing it, according to Neil Newman, MD, a radiation oncologist for Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center.

American Cancer Society awards nearly $1 million to UT Health San Antonio cancer researcher

Zhijie “Jason” Liu, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) and CPRIT (Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas) Scholar in Cancer Research, received a grant from […]

Luan receives $100,000 UT System Rising STARs award to research pediatric blood cancers among Hispanics

Yu Luan, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) received a UT System Rising STARs (Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention) award in the amount […]

Nurturing hope outdoors: Navigating the benefits and challenges

Uncover how embracing the outdoors aids cancer patients’ mental wellness through calming effects and reduced stress. Learn how physical activities like gentle yoga improve mobility, and how sunlight exposure boosts vitamin D levels. Overcome challenges like sun sensitivity with expert safety tips for a fulfilling outdoor experience.

Harnessing the healing power of turmeric for cancer patients

Discover the golden ally against cancer: Turmeric. Explore its antioxidant shields and anti-inflammatory prowess, uncovering pathways to hinder cancer growth and enhance treatment sensitivity. Learn how to infuse this vibrant spice into your diet, elevating meals and your fight against cancer. 

Basil benefits: Nourishing cancer warriors

Explore beyond basil's culinary charm into its therapeutic potential for patients with cancer. Discover how its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, immune-boosting nutrients, and stress-reducing properties can complement treatments. Learn easy ways to incorporate basil into meals, like a delectable basil pesto recipe. 

Treating the rise of colorectal cancer with personalized care

In some cases, colorectal cancer patients have tumors that are inoperable and spread to the liver. For these patients, the Mays Cancer Center offers a specialized chemotherapy delivery system called hepatic artery infusion, also known as HAI pump therapy.

Clinical social worker receives 2024 Presidential Award

Join us in celebrating Carol Sherman's outstanding achievement as a Presidential Staff Excellence in Service winner at the 2024 Presidential Excellence Awards. Discover her remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to supporting the our patients, families, and caregivers.

Cancer survivors and their supporters celebrate life, raise funds during annual 5K

  Misty skies didn’t dampen the spirits of the more than 900 runners and walkers who participated in the 7th annual Give Cancer the Boot Survivorship 5K and 1 Mile Walk on April 6 at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Some raised their arms in triumph, others danced, […]

Clinical trial tackles the question of how much treatment is enough for prostate cancer

  According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 3 million men are living with prostate cancer in the United States. Of those, survivorship after five years is 97 percent. With patients living longer and physicians seeing younger patients with this type of cancer, learning the best ways to treat patients and providing a better […]

Guarding against the silent threat of oropharyngeal cancer

A recent study stated that oropharyngeal cancer rates have now surpassed cervical cancer as the most common cancer associated with HPV in the country. Experts are urging a younger generation to be aware and seek treatment if there is a concern.

Drs. Thomas Patterson, David Gius accepted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians

Exclusive scientific organization honors outstanding physician-scientists. Thomas Patterson, MD, and David Gius, MD, PhD, two top physician-scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), have been accepted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians for the advancement of scientific and practical medicine. Patterson is professor of medicine […]

Colorectal cancer leading cause of cancer death among young men

According to a report by the American Cancer Society released in January, colorectal cancer is now the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among young men under 50 and the second leading cause among women in the same age group. The rise in younger men and women developing colon cancer is a trend Alicia Logue, MD, […]

CPRIT awards approximately $16.4 million to advance children’s cancer research and attract top researchers to South Texas

Content contributed by Steven Lee The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has secured approximately $16.4 million in funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) since last August, which will be utilized to help advance research into cancers that affect children and adolescents as […]

Give Cancer the Boot: Survivorship 5K/1 Mile Walk registration open

  Register today and join cancer survivors, families and other supporters for the 7th annual Give Cancer the Boot: Survivorship 5K/1 Mile Walk on April 6 at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Take advantage of early bird registration for $30 until March 4. Registration fees increase […]

Cancer prevention strategies: Love your heart, love your health

Unlock the secrets of a surprising alliance: heart health and cancer prevention. Discover tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle, from exercise to mindful eating, offering a shield against disease.

Sticking together is key for family's cancer journey

The family’s patriarch, Guillermo Durazo, Jr. — Willie to his friends and family — woke up at 4 a.m. with chest pains. The 72-year-old veteran and retired entrepreneur had bouts of diverticulitis; he associated the pain with the condition and went to the emergency room for treatment.

Little did Willie Durazo, Jr. know that his quick action not only saved his life but would take him and his family on an eight-month journey through cancer.

Sticking together is key for family’s cancer journey

  With the early morning sun peeking over the horizon and the scent of freshly brewed coffee permeating their kitchen, the Durazo family is sharing memories. At times, their voices are husky with emotion, while other times, they openly laugh as they talk about the Monday following Mother’s Day in 2021. The family’s patriarch, Guillermo […]

Caring for your furry friends: A pet owners guide during cancer treatment

Embarking on a cancer treatment journey doesn't mean neglecting your furry friends. Learn the essential do's and don'ts to create a supportive environment for your pets. From communicating with your care team to navigating potential health risks, this guide ensures your pets thrive while you focus on your well-being.

Radiation oncology associate professor receives $500,000 UT System Faculty STARs award

Justin Leung, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (also called UT Health San Antonio), has received a Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) $500,000 award from The University of Texas Board […]

Five exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor

Strengthening the pelvic floor is vital for overall health. Key exercises include kegels, bridge pose, squats, pelvic tilts, and bird-dog. Aim to perform these exercises 2-3 times a week for optimal results. Strengthening your pelvic floor helps prevent common issues and promotes overall wellness and a higher quality of life.

Five New Year's resolutions for cancer patients

Embark on a journey of hope and renewal in the new year with our blog on tailored resolutions for cancer survivors and fighters. Prioritize self-care, set realistic nutrition and fitness goals, cultivate a supportive community, embrace mindfulness, and envision a future with optimism. Celebrate every victory with self-compassion.