Colon cancer in young adults: What you need to know
Colorectal cancer cases are on the decline overall. Research shows this is because more people are getting regular colorectal cancer screenings, which can prevent precancerous polyps from becoming cancer.
But the disease is rising sharply in people under age 50, most of whom are years away from getting their first screening colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer screening isn’t recommended until age 45 for most people. And...
How do steroids work?
Steroids are a natural part of your body produced by your adrenal glands. They’re hormones that help regulate your body’s reaction to infection...
CAR NK cell therapy now an experimental treatment option for multiple cancers
CAR NK cell therapy bolsters the body’s innate ability to fight cancer by attaching molecules called chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) to natural...
12 things to know about alcohol and cancer
It can feel like there are always opportunities to have a drink: Mimosas at brunch. A glass of wine at happy hour. A nightcap after a long day.
But drinking alcohol is linked to an increased risk for several cancers. About 5.5% of all new cancer diagnoses and 5.8% of all deaths from cancer are attributed to drinking alcohol, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
For those who drink, hearing this can...
How do feeding tubes work? What cancer patients and caregivers should know
Maintaining proper nutrition during cancer treatment is important. When cancer patients struggle with this, a feeding tube can help. These...
10 things to know about neuroendocrine tumors
About 12,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors — sometimes called carcinoid tumors — each year. But...
Which cancers can be treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors?
Updated June 28, 2024
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that does not target the cancer itself, unlike traditional treatments...
Recovered from COVID-19? 5 things to know
If you’ve caught and recovered from COVID-19, you might be wondering what that means. Are you immune to the virus now? Can you go out...
Tumor profiling gives lung cancer patient targeted therapy option
Steve Castellaw got much more than a haircut when he went to see his stylist. He also got the first clue that led to his lung cancer diagnosis...
Does immunotherapy treat breast cancer?
Last updated March 22, 2022.
Can immunotherapy treat breast cancer? For certain patients, the answer is yes.
Pembrolizumab...
Mammograms for men: What to expect
Male breast cancer is extremely rare. About 1% of breast cancers in the United States occur in males. But certain men do run the risk...
5 weight training exercises to make your life easier
Strength training is about more than looking good. Strong muscles make your daily activities easier and help keep your body injury-free.
Tongue cancer survivor: Coming to MD Anderson saved my life
In January 2020, I noticed a changing spot under my tongue. My family doctor advised that I get it biopsied. The results came back negative...
What's changed in a year at MD Anderson?
The past year challenged and changed all of us at MD Anderson. It changed the way we work, the ways we connect and, in some...
How MD Anderson took COVID-19 safety in-house
MD Anderson has one of the world’s largest populations of immunocompromised patients. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, that meant...
Training future oncologists and cancer researchers during the pandemic: Two educators' stories
Training the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians plays a vital role in MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer. While our...
Why I donate blood for cancer patients to honor my late wife
I’ve been a regular blood donor since 1981. But it wasn’t until my wife, Kelly, was diagnosed with stage IV anal cancer in 2014 that blood...
New ways of collaborating move cancer research forward during COVID-19
It takes a team to make discoveries. But MD Anderson has taken this concept well beyond the traditional partnership between students...
How colorectal cancer treatment improved my quality of life
Nobody ever wants to receive a cancer diagnosis. But when I found out I had poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the cecum — a type of...
3-time lung cancer survivor: MD Anderson is keeping me healthy with SBRT
I started using cigarettes in the early 1970s, when I was just 16. I smoked a pack a day for more than 35 years. I didn’t quit until my granddaughter...
Why I joined a targeted therapy clinical trial for triple-negative breast cancer
Before my diagnosis in February 2019, no one in my family had ever had cancer. So we were all very surprised when I was diagnosed with triple-negative...
Q&A: New research on early detection of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer only accounts for about 3% of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year, but it is the third most common cause of cancer-related...
Uterine cancer survivor: 3 things I love about MD Anderson
When I was diagnosed with clear cell endometrial carcinoma — a rare type of uterine cancer — in late July, there was no question as to where...
Colorectal cancer and race: What Black men and women need to know
Last updated Oct. 4, 2021
Despite an overall decline in colorectal cancer cases and deaths over the past several decades, Black men...
With virtual reality, radiation therapy students learn about proton therapy
Think virtual reality is just about gaming and movies? Think again.
This fall, radiation therapy students at MD Anderson are slipping...
What to know about the COVID-19 vaccines
Last updated April 8, 2021
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, you probably have a lot of questions about coronavirus...
Insights from a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant
Last updated Jan. 21, 2021
Over his 27-year career at MD Anderson, Steven Sherman, M.D., chair of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal...
Stage IV colorectal cancer survivor: How I know MD Anderson is the best
Last year was an emotional rollercoaster for me. In May, I found out I had colorectal cancer after my first colonoscopy. June brought the...
How to practice self-care this holiday season
December is normally a time of togetherness and celebration. But with COVID-19 cases surging again all over the world, this season will likely...
How MD Anderson saved my eyesight with squamous cell carcinoma treatment
My eye has watered daily for the past 30 years. I always blamed it on allergies, which I’ve had since I was a young child.
But in December...
Multiple myeloma survivor: My treatment at MD Anderson made me proud to be a nurse
Taking care of cancer patients isn’t easy. And I should know, because I serve as the chief nursing officer at a regional hospital system near...
Acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer: What’s the link?
Millions of Americans suffer from acid reflux. Also known as heartburn or acid indigestion, it can feel like an intense burning sensation...
What does it mean to be immunocompromised?
Most cancer patients and their caregivers will hear the word “immunocompromised” at some point.
But what does that actually mean? What...
How to get started with legacy planning
When other people think of you, what do you want them to remember? Is it a particular personality trait that has defined your life? A passion...
Targeted therapy venetoclax improving acute myeloid leukemia treatment options
Targeted therapies are designed to work against specific vulnerabilities in a cancer cell.
The targeted therapy drug venetoclax is...
Are rapid COVID-19 tests accurate?
Last updated on Jan. 25, 2022.
We’ve all felt uncertain at times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do I have the coronavirus? Should...
Nurse and breast cancer survivor shares the healing power of song
Joyace Ussin uses her voice to connect with her patients and their loved ones. Known as “the singing nurse,” Ussin can sense when patients...
Is your sparkling water healthy?
Carbonated, flavored waters have been trending over the past couple of years. But are these bubbly beverages good for you? That depends.
8 things I learned as a pediatric cancer caregiver
When we noticed a swelling on Sawyer’s jaw, we never imagined he had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rapidly growing tumor that caused a significant malformation...
Two-time cancer survivor: MD Anderson is helping me beat the odds
Before 2014, no one in my family had ever had cancer. And everyone I knew who’d had it had died. So, until that year, I assumed that’s just...
4 things I love about MD Anderson
I worked in broadcast TV news for more than 40 years before retiring last summer, so I’ve done a lot of stories about different hospitals....
15 healthy holiday gifts to give during the COVID-19 pandemic
Starting your holiday shopping? When it comes to gifts, you might be wondering if there are special items that could make life easier – or...
11 ways to support cancer patients and survivors this holiday season
Holiday celebrations look a lot different this year because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It’s a difficult time for everyone, but...
Acoustic neuroma survivor resumes life after Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery
I woke up one morning and noticed I was having trouble hearing in my left ear. I also had a loud ringing in that ear. I made an appointment...
Multiple myeloma: When to treat and when to wait
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that develops in a type of white blood cell called plasma cells. Normally, these cells help us make antibodies...
Surgical technique drastically reduces pain for amputee cancer patients
When Annette Rios was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, doctors told her they’d need to amputate her right leg just below...
Uterine cancer survivor: Please wear a mask
The past few months have been a little hard for me. For one thing, there’s the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For another, I was diagnosed with...
Personalized triple-negative breast cancer treatment made me feel special
I didn’t have any breast cancer symptoms until early 2019. Then, a lump the size of a lime popped up on my right breast, seemingly overnight...
How molecular testing and targeted therapy are changing B-cell lymphoma treatment
B-cell lymphoma isn’t one disease. There are about 63 subtypes, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most common. A chemotherapy...
Throat cancer survivor: 5 things I love about MD Anderson
Cancer runs in my family. My mom alone has lost three of her sisters to the disease. So, when I heard a doctor tell me, “You have throat cancer...
Helping cancer survivors get – and stay – active
At the time of her breast cancer diagnosis, Teresa Serbia knew she was overweight.
“After I was fortunate enough to become a survivor...
Clinical trials glossary: 12 terms to know
New and better cancer treatments are discovered through clinical trials. By joining one, patients get access to the most cutting-edge treatments...
Compassion and connection helped me through prostate cancer treatment
In spring 2017, I went in for a routine physical and heard the words that no guy wants to hear: “You have late-stage aggressive prostate cancer...
What it’s like to be a caregiver for an international cancer patient
In early 2018, my husband, Guillermo, wanted to participate in an IRONMAN competition near our home in Quito, Ecuador. A blood test during...
7 ways to cope with scanxiety
If medical tests cause you anxiety, you’re not alone. It’s common to feel stress or worry in anticipation of medical tests, during these tests...
Monoclonal antibodies and cancer treatment: What to know
Last updated Jan. 11, 2022.
First emerging almost three decades ago, monoclonal antibodies are changing the way doctors treat cancer...
New class of immunotherapy targets found in pancreatic and other cancers
For patients with pancreatic cancer, the benefits from immunotherapy treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors or cell therapies have been...
10 things to know about esophageal cancer
Updated June 1, 2022
More than 16,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer this year. Roughly 75% of...
Predicting and preventing CAR T cell therapy side effects in lymphoma patients
CAR T cell therapy has changed the way aggressive B-cell lymphoma is treated. Previously, when patients had a second recurrence after receiving...
Extra-mammary Paget’s disease survivor: Time matters
In 2013, Sandy Fontan was a 53-year-old marathon runner in tip-top shape. She maintained a healthy diet and ran between 25 and 30 miles a...
Getting answers for patients with a suspicion of cancer
Like clockwork, Katherine Moreno gets a cold every year. It always leads to bronchitis, then asthma.
“I don’t go anywhere without a...
Surgery, proton therapy put stage III lung cancer survivor in remission
In September 2014, I developed a cough that would not go away. It seemed to get worse at night. From that September until March 2015, I tried...
Why I’m glad I chose MD Anderson for breast cancer treatment
With cancer treatment — as with life — you can only make decisions based on what you know at any given moment. But new information becomes...
Colorectal cancer researchers focus on minimal residual disease to guide treatment
Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a term commonly used with blood cancers that describes a small fraction of cancer cells that remain or come...
What constitutes a ‘safe’ gathering during the pandemic?
Your sister’s tiny outdoor wedding is less than two months away. Your nephew’s family-only backyard birthday party — complete with bounce...
Anal cancer survivor: Go directly to MD Anderson
When Bibi Philippou complained to her family doctor two years ago about hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, the doctor scheduled a colonoscopy...
How to prepare for a fall/winter COVID-19 surge: Advice for cancer patients and caregivers
With infection rates on the rise around the world and cooler temperatures driving people back indoors, we’re seeing the start of a fall and...
3 things to know about breast cancer survivorship
When found early, breast cancer can often be treated successfully. “90-97% of patients with early stage breast cancer are alive and well even...
Metastatic prostate cancer survivor: Why I participate in the Boot Walk to End Cancer
Prostate cancer runs in my family. My father, older brother and twin brother are all prostate cancer survivors. I received my own diagnosis...
4 detox myths: Get the facts
A detox for your body can sound like a great idea. Who wouldn’t want to do all they can to remove toxins from their system?
Marketers...
Mammograms vs. thermography: What you need to know
Regular screening mammograms detect breast cancer early when they are easiest to treat successfully. But can a screening test called...
Multiple myeloma survivor grateful CAR T cell therapy clinical trial gives her another option
When Trena Robertson’s left hip began aching, she visited an orthopedic specialist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her hometown.
Does proton therapy have side effects for head and neck cancer patients?
For patients with complex head and neck tumors, proton therapy allows us to treat the tumors effectively while minimizing the radiation dose...
Epigenetic protein plays key role in lung cancer and melanoma development
Layered on top of our genes is an additional set of information -- the epigenome, which is important for many cellular activities. Disruption...
How 3D printing is helping breast cancer patients
When Cherie Sanders’ doctor in Amarillo diagnosed her with breast cancer, he described her tumor as “5 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters” and...
How diversity within a cancer can influence a patient’s response to treatment
Although a tumor may start from a single cancer cell, it can eventually become millions of cells with unique characteristics. This diversity...
Stage IV melanoma survivor: An immunotherapy drug gave me my life back
In early 2019, I was almost seven years out from my original melanoma diagnosis. I’d been living cancer-free since having surgery and radiation...
Throat cancer survivor: Personalized treatment at MD Anderson left me cancer-free
When I moved to central Louisiana for my job as a high school football coach in 2016, I starting hearing great things about MD Anderson almost...
5 small cell lung cancer questions, answered
Though you may not suspect it from the name, small cell lung cancer is among the most aggressive types of lung cancer.
Most small cell...
Five-year metastatic breast cancer survivor: My response to 'What can I do for you?'
"People are going to want to do something for you. It may be hard to accept their 'help,' and sometimes their 'help'...
6 things to know about palliative care and cancer treatment
Ever since Robin Birthisel was diagnosed with a slow-growing type of multiple myeloma 10 years ago, she’s experienced unpleasant side effects...
How to celebrate Thanksgiving safely during the COVID-19 pandemic
Got plans for a big Thanksgiving Day celebration? Not so fast.
Before you send out those feast invitations or make those travel arrangements...
My body changes during pregnancy were rectal cancer symptoms
I was pregnant with my second child when I began having constipation. It turned out to be my first symptom of rectal cancer, but I didn’t...
What does a nursing Magnet designation mean?
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President Carol Porter, D.N.P., formed her first impressions of MD Anderson as a Magnet appraiser in...
Clinical trials: 5 things you should know
Clinical trials are how progress is made in medicine. “They’re really essential to drive our ability to deliver better cancer care,” says...
Esophageal cancer caregiver: I’m grateful we came to MD Anderson
My husband, Gary, had been healthy and active before he began complaining of a backache at age 67. Then he started having trouble swallowing...
Holiday travel during the COVID-19 pandemic: Is it safe?
Whether you’re itching to take a vacation, wanting to visit extended family and friends for the holidays, or needing to travel for cancer...
Metastatic melanoma survivor: Why not me?
In 2012, my dermatologist in South Carolina noticed a bump on my cheek. A biopsy showed that I had stage IV melanoma.
We...
How to keep kids active during the COVID-19 pandemic
We’re all spending more time at home these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many parents, that means kids are spending more time with...
Multiple myeloma survivor: Having additional treatment options gives me hope
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 48, after some blood work from an annual checkup came back a little wacky.
My doctor said...
Do you need a vitamin D supplement during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Your body depends on vitamin D. And one of the ways to get it is by being outside. That’s because the sun’s UV rays activate vitamin D production...
How throat cancer treatment is changing
Today, treatment for throat cancer isn’t just focused on removing the cancer. Now that most patients successfully overcome the cancer, doctors...
Does cancer treatment cause unwanted weight gain?
Weight loss is a common side effect of some cancer treatments. But sometimes, the opposite happens — and patients end up packing on the pounds...
Thyroid cancer survivor: Why I joined an immunotherapy clinical trial
Before I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I considered clinical trials a last-ditch effort.
In my mind, they were only for people...
How do virtual runs work?
If you were planning to run that 5K for your favorite charity or tackle a marathon this year, don’t despair. The COVID-19 pandemic has sidelined...
How telomere defects can cause inflammatory diseases
All of the DNA in our cells is organized into complex structures called chromosomes, which consist of our genetic material coiled around many...
Prostate cancer survivor: How I found reassurance and expertise during proton therapy treatment
At my annual physical in 2019, a blood test showed my PSA levels had increased. I was also experiencing symptoms such as frequent need to...
Can air purifiers protect you from COVID-19?
Studies show that wearing a mask properly and consistently practicing good social distancing can significantly reduce the spread of the coronavirus...
Why doesn’t immunotherapy work for everyone?
In the last decade, immunotherapy has become a viable treatment option for many cancer patients. Unlike radiation and chemotherapy, immunotherapy...
How I celebrated the end of leukemia treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic reached Houston earlier this year, I was already expecting it to affect my leukemia treatment...
What to know about mantle cell lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma was classified as a separate type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1992. Since then, it’s historically been one of the most...
Is it a cold, the flu, allergies or COVID-19?
Last updated September 24, 2021
Self-diagnosis has never been an exact science. But with the coronavirus (COVID-19) now added to the...
LGBTQ+: What to know about cancer prevention
Last updated June 9, 2022
Your risk for cancer is linked to many factors, and some people are at greater risk than others.
Certain...
Halloween during COVID-19: Is it safe to go trick-or-treating during the pandemic?
Fall is here, and that’s got many people thinking about Halloween and other autumn activities. But as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...
Four-time cancer survivor spreads awareness of Cowden syndrome
Growing up in El Paso, Jon Filbert loved collecting autographed Major League Baseball trading cards.
“I really was into it, and I still...
Progress in treating medullary thyroid cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare cancer diagnosed in about 1,200 patients annually in the U.S. Because it’s often a silent disease, many...
Skull base tumor survivor: Writing music helped me cope with my pain
I have suffered from migraines for 30 years. And to cope with the pain, I enjoy journaling. It helps me to distract myself and find clarity...
New targeted therapy and immunotherapy approaches: Phase I clinical trial developments at ESMO Virtual Congress 2020
Studying new cancer therapies through clinical trials is essential for progress in cancer care. Phase I clinical trials are designed to evaluate...
COVID-19 blues vs. depression: How to tell the difference
Now that we’re several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are feeling the emotional toll of the uncertainty, worry and dramatic...
Fertility preservation using IVF with PGD-M is helping end stomach cancer in my family
When I learned six years ago that I carry a genetic mutation called CDH1, my initial response was anger. I had just gotten married, and my...
Multiple myeloma survivor in partial remission after choosing MD Anderson
Since childhood, Birdia Churchwell has been fascinated by science.
“I was interested in the why, so I spent my time reading, asking...
Comprehensive breast cancer treatment made me an MD Anderson fan for life
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at MD Anderson in January 2019, my biggest concern wasn’t actually my breasts. It was my heart. Because...
Chromosomal instability study yields possible cancer treatment approach
In cancer, there are often large-scale deletions, rearrangements or other disruptions to our genetic information, which lead to a phenomenon...
The gut microbiome and cancer treatment: What we do and don’t know
Your body is home to trillions of microbes. These bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms impact everything from how you process food...
Five-time cancer survivor: Don’t put off checkups during COVID-19
I’ve been coming to MD Anderson for almost 11 years now, because I have a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. It puts me at...
When should cancer patients seek emergency care?
When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to get the right care at the right time – especially when it comes to seeking emergency...
Leukemia and male breast cancer survivor: Teamwork makes the difference at MD Anderson
When I got my second cancer diagnosis in early 2017, I was already going to MD Anderson regularly to see Dr. Alessandra Ferrajoli. I’d been...
After my stomach removal, I've never looked back
In 2014, I learned that I carry a genetic mutation called CDH1, which markedly increases my risk of developing breast and stomach cancers....
Study identifies key factor in non-small cell lung cancer resistance and potential therapeutic targets
For patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations, targeted therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has...
Does it matter where you get your mammogram?
If you’re due for a mammogram, it’s important that you choose the facility wisely.
Getting the most accurate mammogram results possible...
Neurofibromatosis survivor: Please wear a mask to prevent COVID-19
As a neurofibromatosis survivor, I’m already in a high-risk group for contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19). So, even though I’ve never had...
Can lung cancer be stopped before it starts?
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death. Each year, more people die of lung cancer...
How I supported my mom through eye cancer treatment
For as long as I can remember, my mom has been a source of strength. She’s my comforter, advisor, mentor and role model.
But in 2017...
What to expect at MD Anderson during a hurricane amid COVID-19
Last updated Aug. 25, 2021
At MD Anderson, the health and safety of our patients and employees is our top priority every day. That&...
MD Anderson inspires young lung cancer patient to become a nurse
Alexa DiVenere was 17 years old when doctors removed her right lung and pericardium, the protective membrane surrounding her heart.
Do COVID-19 saliva tests work?
With the Food and Drug Administration recently issuing emergency use authorization for a new method of saliva sample processing, you may be...
Study challenges conventional understanding of signal from new diagnostic imaging technique
Diagnostic imaging is a powerful tool for clinicians and researchers to see cancer in the body, enabling them to distinguish between benign...
Breast cancer survivor: Why I feel safe visiting MD Anderson during COVID-19
As a long-time asthmatic and a recent breast cancer survivor, I’m already at high risk of developing serious complications if I get an upper...
Cancer patients need blood donations for treatment during COVID-19 pandemic
When surgeons removed a cancerous tumor called a liposarcoma from Dan Ratliff’s pelvis, they also removed an artery and vein in his leg that...
COVID-19 and the flu vaccine: What you need to know
Another flu season is right around the corner. And this year, we’re expecting to face it in the midst of a coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...
The cancer patient’s hurricane checklist during COVID-19
Last updated Aug. 25, 2021
If you’ve ever prepared for a hurricane, you probably already know the basics. A flashlight, extra batteries...
Thanks to targeted therapy, lung cancer survivor is enjoying life again
Ginger Head was 56 years old and healthy when she was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2017. She was floored. The retired...
Half of my pelvis is gone, but I’m a happy, normal 18-year-old
Discovering I had bone cancer when I was only 12 forced me to mature very quickly. Doctors found a growth about the size of an orange in my...
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivor: My journey to becoming an oncologist
I was a healthy 22-year-old with hopes of attending medical school when I asked my doctor to take my swollen lymph node seriously. A biopsy...
What type of mask works best for COVID-19 protection?
Studies show that cloth and medical-grade face masks can cut down on coronavirus droplet spread by 80% or more.
“So, if everyone wore...
After esophageal cancer surgery, patient stays connected with family despite COVID-19 visitor restrictions
The morning of his esophageal cancer surgery, Dustin Pruett kissed his wife goodbye on the skybridge outside the Rotary House Hotel.
<...
Sisters benefit from personalized breast cancer treatment plans
In August 2015, Judith Smith was diagnosed with a type of breast cancer called mixed ductal and lobular carcinoma. A week later, her sister...
Your COVID-19 vaccine questions, answered
Last updated Dec. 2, 2020
As coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continue to rise, more people are wondering when we’ll have a vaccine — both...
Retired NASA scientist benefits from cancer treatment he helped develop
Less than a year after three scientists won the 1962 Nobel Prize for unraveling some of DNA’s mysteries, Dennis Morrison, Ph.D., became one...
Dating after a cancer diagnosis
Starting a new relationship may be the last thing on your mind after a cancer diagnosis, or while you’re going through treatment. But for...
Caregiver finds comfort in MD Anderson’s breast cancer screening and treatment expertise
In 2012, A few months after Nitin and Sharmila Vaidya celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Sharmila found a lump in her right breast....
Cancer treatment side effect: Involuntary weight loss
Whether it’s due to pain from a growing tumor, swallowing difficulties caused by radiation therapy, or the nausea, loss of appetite or mouth...
Hand washing vs. hand sanitizer: which is better?
Last updated Aug. 25, 2020
Cleaning your hands regularly remains one of the simplest and most-effective defenses against illnesses...
Uterine cancer survivor lives life to the fullest after targeted therapy
Julia Pitts knew something was wrong when, at age 62, she started bleeding and cramping.
“I thought when my menopause ended years earlier...
Undergoing proton therapy for olfactory neuroblastoma during the COVID-19 pandemic
After a series of nosebleeds in 2005, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called olfactory neuroblastoma. I had surgery to remove the...
Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines: What to know
This week, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated cervical cancer screening guidelines for individuals at average risk. They now...
Does social distancing help prevent COVID-19?
Does social distancing effectively prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?
New research from MD Anderson...
Should your kids get the HPV vaccine during COVID-19?
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic stretches on, the HPV vaccine may not seem like a priority for parents worried about keeping their...
Coping with cancer-related sexual challenges with your partner
Sexuality is part of living a fulfilling life, but sometimes a cancer diagnosis or treatments can affect desire, arousal or sexual function...
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma caregiver: MD Anderson saved me and my husband
I was diagnosed with early stage melanoma last summer. And my husband, Dennis, was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma this past...
8 things to know about squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer)
More than 2 million Americans will learn they have some form of skin cancer this year. It’s the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in...
Leukemia survivor and wife stay safe, connected despite COVID-19 restrictions
Britt Mayo has been coming to MD Anderson regularly since 2010, when he was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
<...
Due for a mammogram during COVID-19? 7 things to know
As our patients and caregivers know, cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19. And that means you shouldn’t stop getting your cancer screenings either...
Myelofibrosis caregiver: 3 reasons to choose MD Anderson for treatment
In the spring of 2017, my husband Bill and I were getting ready to travel and do some charitable work. We’d finished raising our children...
7 things to know about penile cancer
Penile cancer is rare in the U.S., with only about 2,200 new cases diagnosed each year. But in many cases, men put off seeing a doctor until...
COVID-19 herd immunity: 7 questions, answered
Last updated on Dec. 7, 2020
As the number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continues to rise worldwide, there’s been a lot...
Is the coronavirus airborne?
A growing body of evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, may be airborne — meaning tiny bits of...
Should you send kids to in-person school during COVID-19? 4 things cancer patients and caregivers should consider
A new school year is approaching for many children. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues.
So, is it safe to send your...
What is minimal residual disease (MRD)?
After completing a course of treatment, there are few words that sound better to a patient than “complete remission.” It’s an indication that...
Breast cancer survivor: Don’t let COVID-19 keep you from getting your mammogram
As an MD Anderson employee, and someone who has worked in clinical research for many years, I know how important cancer screening exams are...
Facing sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma during pregnancy
I was working as a physician assistant in California when my husband’s job moved us to Singapore. About a year after we got there, I started...
Constantly worried you have COVID-19 symptoms? Here's what to do
Handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, social distancing, wearing masks and staying at home are the best tools we have right now to...
When siblings have cancer: Facing sarcoma alongside my sister
The first time my little sister, Erica Nowell, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2005, she was still a teenager and I was deployed overseas...
Examining the impact of the tobacco industry’s court-ordered anti-smoking advertisements
During the past three years, you may have seen anti-smoking advertisements sponsored by the tobacco industry on television, in newspapers,...
How martial arts training helped me through colorectal cancer treatment
I’m a professional martial artist, so I’m very aware of my body and live a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it took me by surprise when I was...
Myelofibrosis survivor: Why I chose MD Anderson
When I was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in March 2017, I didn’t know it was a bone marrow disorder that could turn into leukemia. All I knew...
What counts as COVID-19 exposure?
Last updated Oct. 22, 2020.
As the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and related hospital admissions continue to rise, so, too, does...
Three-time cancer survivor: Why I keep returning to MD Anderson
Over the past 10 years, I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and colorectal cancer. I was treated at MD Anderson...
How to cope with COVID-19 quarantine fatigue
If you’ve been feeling even more stressed than usual lately, you’re not alone. Many of us are struggling with so-called quarantine fatigue...
Now is not the time to let our guard down against COVID-19
Since Memorial Day weekend, our nation has seen a sharp increase in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Here in the nine-county...
Bride-to-be faces medulloblastoma treatment
Cindy Stueber was supposed to be helping her daughter, Shelby, look at wedding dresses and elegant up-dos. Instead, she was making plans to...
After overcoming multiple myeloma, patient care technician knows the power of words
Patient Care Technician Raymond Alex Jr., is known in MD Anderson’s Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and around the hospital for sharing inspirational...
Why I sought treatment for a rare neuroendocrine tumor at MD Anderson
I worked at MD Anderson for 16 years as a program manager in Employee Health & Wellbeing before retiring in 2015. So, I knew that it was...
MD Anderson has given my husband and me hope for a future together
In January 2019, my husband, Santiago, began experiencing mild stomach problems. He described it as a pulling sensation in his abdomen. He...
How to get the most out of virtual cancer support groups
Many cancer patients and their families rely on support groups to help navigate cancer and manage their mental and emotional health. That’...
Myelodysplastic syndrome survivor: Why I’ve been giving my care team Sacagawea coins
Without their Native American guide, Sacagawea, to lead them, early American explorers Lewis and Clark might never have survived their journey...
Proton therapy helped me overcome squamous cell carcinoma twice
I discovered I had cancer in July 2018, after going to my doctor about a bump on my neck. I had no cold-like symptoms, so my doctor referred...
Virtual art lessons help our pediatric cancer patients
Kasey Marsh has always been a creative person. She ran her own professional photography business for over a decade, and has drawn and painted...
Siblings help each other through sarcoma treatment during COVID-19 pandemic
When Ewing’s sarcoma survivor Erica Nowell learned that her older brother, Chris Plummer, had cancer earlier this year, she was shocked. But...
How can cancer patients and their families safely enjoy summer during the COVID-19 pandemic?
After almost three months of social distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you might be itching to get out and enjoy...
Why I chose MD Anderson for my breast cancer treatment
When I was 10, one of my relatives came all the way from another state to get treated for breast cancer at MD Anderson. Another one got breast...
Donating blood for MD Anderson cancer patients: 13 things to know
Last updated Feb. 23, 2024
Our cancer patients need approximately 200 units of red blood cells and 600 units of platelets each...
Pediatric stem cell transplants: What to know
When chemotherapy alone isn’t successful in treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma in pediatric patients, a stem cell transplant...
How is MD Anderson protecting cancer patients from COVID-19?
Last updated March 23, 2023
Cancer patients are uniquely vulnerable to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, because their immune systems...
Neuroendocrine tumor survivor: Compassionate care led me to work at MD Anderson
I never had any neuroendocrine tumor symptoms before my diagnosis. In fact, I went in for surgery for something else altogether.
...
Kids and masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: 7 questions, answered
Wearing a mask when out in public is one of the easiest ways to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, especially by those...
Multiple myeloma survivor: Staying positive is a way to give back to others
When Marie Chaplinksy went in for a checkup with her cardiologist in March 2017, she was surprised when she was called back to have her bloodwork...
My proton therapy treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
After retiring from a 35-year career teaching and coaching at my dream job, I’d planned to spend time with my wife, Joanna, and enjoy my favorite...
Astrocytoma survivor: Why I chose MD Anderson for treatment
I believe everything happens for a reason. So, when I was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma — an aggressive type of brain cancer — in...
MD Anderson helped me achieve my family dream after non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment
In 2016, my husband and I were trying to expand our family. A swollen lymph node almost derailed our plans entirely.
I’d felt the lump...
11 things to know about COVID-19 testing
Last updated on June 27, 2021
Whether you're planning a trip or suspect you may have the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), you may...
4 tips to get moving if you are stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Karen Basen-Engquist. Ph.D., has managed to stay physically active during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to a recent...
For follicular lymphoma survivor, time is on her side
When Maribeth Holzer asked her family doctor about a curious lump in her right armpit, she never suspected it was follicular lymphoma...
How to get the most out of your virtual visit
To help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and make it easier for patients to see a doctor without leaving home, MD Anderson...
Have an MD Anderson appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here's what to know
Last updated on Aug. 11, 2020
Despite communities beginning to lift “stay home” orders during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic...
Mantle cell lymphoma patient benefits from clinical trial despite COVID-19 pandemic
Charles Salazar lives in New Jersey, but considers Houston his “second” home.
For four years, he and his wife, Debbie, have been traveling...
Nurse creates magical moments to lift patients’ spirits
Natalie Sanchez knows that entering a treatment center like MD Anderson for the first time can be very intimidating for a newly diagnosed...
COVID-19: Businesses are reopening. Is it safe for cancer patients to go out?
As states begin to lift coronavirus stay-at-home orders and reopen businesses, people are beginning to venture out in public more frequently...
Breast surgery fellow: Why my coronavirus diagnosis led me to donate plasma
As a mom, fellow in breast cancer surgery and a former general surgery resident, I’m used to handling tough situations. But this past March...
A nurse’s notes from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic
I’ve always been interested in critical care nursing. I find the complexity of caring for patients on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) invigorating...
Creative ways our employees are supporting our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
As we all face unprecedented changes and challenges brought by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, kindness matters more than ever....
Disinfectants 101: 9 things to know
Regular handwashing, consistent social distancing, wearing a mask in public, and frequent disinfection of high-touch objects remain the best...
Chief Nursing Officer: Our nurses shine in COVID-19 response
When the World Health Organization (WHO) designated 2020 as The Year of the Nurse and Midwife in honor of the 200th anniversary of Florence...
Cancer caregiver finds support, acceptance in online support group
Shelly Ward is a trailblazer. As one of only a few female airplane pilots with the U.S. Justice Department’s Drug Enforcement Administration...
Students, MD Anderson staff support music teacher through cancer treatment during COVID-19 pandemic
“You are not alone.” These are just a few of the kind words that Donya’ Easterly came home to find posted on her front door recently....
Leukemia survivor after COVID-19 recovery: ‘There’s always something to fight for’
Mary Hernandez didn’t realize how sick she was when she came to the MD Anderson Emergency Center on March 30. The 41-year-old was still reeling...
After overcoming coronavirus (COVID-19), surgeon donates plasma
While George Chang, M.D., battled the cough, high fever and severe body aches caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), his immune system was...
Despite COVID-19 pandemic, MD Anderson Cancer Network enables patient to continue clinical trial
Like many people, Suzanne Damann has had to curtail her activities due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Social distancing and...
6 ways to cope with social isolation during COVID-19
As we each do our part to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by practicing social distancing and staying home, many...
7 things to know about COVID-19 antibody testing
As more people recover from the novel coronavirus and seek to resume their normal activities, there’s been a lot of talk about testing for...
Reflections on caring for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
I think the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most serious – and important – times of our generation. Right now, as the U.S. heads...
My kidney cancer treatment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
I was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in spring 2019. I had a chest X-ray because I’d recently quit smoking. My lungs were OK, but the...
17 ways to support a friend or family member with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic
Want to help a friend or loved one facing cancer during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but not sure how?
“Cancer patients...
4 COVID-19 myths
Last updated Oct. 13, 2020
Have you heard the one about how the coronavirus (COVID-19) isn’t nearly as bad as catching the flu? How...
Masks 101: What you need to know during the COVID-19 pandemic
Last updated on June 24, 2020
The best things you can do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) are practicing social...
COVID-19 keeping you awake? Here’s how to get more sleep
Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many cancer patients and caregivers were already experiencing insomnia. And now, the added challenges...
COVID-19: How to separate fact from fiction
News headlines about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic seem to change by the minute. And it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the massive amounts...
Cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: FaceTime keeps couple connected
Callie Piper is a planner with a capital “P.” And nothing thrown her way during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed that....
Family shows support for leukemia patient despite coronavirus (COVID-19) visitor restrictions
Since Robert Alvarado was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2014, his family has accompanied him to each appointment, from...
Despite COVID-19, survivor gets to ring the bell with his family
Over the course of their 33-year marriage, Jack ("Pat") and Cindy Chamberlain have faced many challenges. Jack lost his job right...
MD Anderson president: How I’m practicing self-care during the COVID-19 response
Like everyone, the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted my work life and daily routines. As president of MD Anderson,...
7 ways to stay healthy when you’re stuck at home
As we practice social distancing to protect ourselves and others during the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s easy...
Surgeon’s kids’ digitized cards spread hope during COVID-19 pandemic
Mara Antonoff, M.D.’s children have been hand-delivering encouragement to her patients regularly, ever since the cardiothoracic surgeon joined...
Special employee helped my dad mark radiation therapy finish during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Completing cancer treatment is a big deal. Frequently, it’s celebrated through a bell ringing ceremony with family and care team members....
4 ways I'm finding peace of mind during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
When I was undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer about eight years ago, it was really important that I stay away from other people, especially...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) glossary: What do these pandemic terms mean?
Last updated July 17, 2020
The novel coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – has introduced many new terms to our vocabulary: from “...
COVID-19 and stem cell transplants: What you should know
By now, most cancer patients and their caregivers know the basic precautions they can take to minimize the risk of contracting the 2019 novel...
Cancer caregiver: Why COVID-19 social distancing matters
My husband, John, and I had only been married 45 days when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma on Sept. 1, 2017. Hurricane Harvey loomed over...
How to cope with COVID-19 stress and anxiety
With the constant stream of information surrounding the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it’s easy to feel stressed or anxious....
Traveling for cancer treatment during COVID-19: 5 patient questions, answered
Cancer patients often need regular doctor visits, both to receive treatment and to have their progress and side effects monitored and managed...
COVID-19 symptoms, screening and testing: Insight for cancer patients and caregivers
Last updated June 29, 2020
Some cancer patients take medications that suppress their immune systems as a part of their treatment. That...
Breast cancer survivor: Take your prescription medications
As a general rule, I don’t take medicine unless I absolutely have to. I’ve never been one to swallow an aspirin at the first sign of a fever...
Protecting cancer patients from the coronavirus (COVID-19): 4 things caregivers should know
As a cancer caregiver, you may be wondering how you can protect your loved one from infection — particularly with the 2019 novel coronavirus...
What is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)?
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an innovative type of cancer treatment. During this procedure, doctors perform a surgery...
Papillary thyroid cancer survivor: Targeted therapy is giving me a future
I’ve been living with papillary thyroid cancer since 2012. If it weren’t for MD Anderson, I might not be able to say that. Because when I...
Stomach cancer survivor back on her feet after heated chemotherapy clinical trial
Faye Hood was training for a half-marathon in 2017, when the active then-70-year-old received a stomach cancer diagnosis.
While she...
Why I chose MD Anderson for skull base tumor treatment
Until a few years ago, my father was the only person in my family who’d ever had cancer. In 1997, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which...
Inflammatory breast cancer survivor finds hope in clinical trial
I’m the kind of person who follows my gut. So, when I looked up my symptoms online and thought I had inflammatory breast cancer, I kept pushing...
Sharing hope is the most important part of my job as a nurse navigator
When most people hear the word “cancer,” they usually react with fear or distress. That’s why I’m so glad to work as a nurse navigator at...
Cardiothoracic surgeon: Compassion is MD Anderson’s secret ingredient
The way I practice medicine is heavily influenced by the fact that I’m a mother. Many of the same qualities that are useful in parenting my...
Pancreatic cancer survivor: 3 myths about MD Anderson
I live in Dallas, but when I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2017, I chose to come to MD Anderson for my treatment. My husband...
3 things I’ve learned from my wife’s brain cancer relapse
Prior to my wife’s glioblastoma diagnosis in 2013, I traveled a lot for my job, both inside and outside the U.S. That arrangement worked out...
Breast cancer survivor: Watch for changes in your breasts
In late 2016, I was eating organic food, working out regularly and had never missed a mammogram. Yet, I still ended up with a breast cancer...
3 benefits of journaling for cancer patients and caregivers
Facing a cancer diagnosis or caring for someone during cancer treatment can be extremely stressful. And, when you’re dealing with stress,...
Lung cancer survivor: Targeted therapy clinical trial halted my stage IV disease
Until November 2018, I’d never been hospitalized before. So, the suddenness of my lung cancer diagnosis at age 65 that year caught me completely...
5 questions about bone health and cancer
Losing bone density is common as you age, when cells that help rebuild bones aren’t replaced as quickly. Because of this, your bones may become...
Cancer patients and the coronavirus: What you should know
Last updated March 30, 2020
Here are seven things cancer patients should know about coronaviruses, including the novel coronavirus...
Glioblastoma caregiver: MD Anderson has helped my wife survive brain cancer twice
It’s unlikely you’re ever going to meet anyone quite like my wife. For one thing, Susie is a two-time brain cancer survivor. That alone makes...
Breast cancer survivor: Why I volunteer at MD Anderson
I’d always heard that people should wait a year before volunteering at MD Anderson, so they could make sure they were “over it” after finishing...
How good communication helps me deliver better care to my patients
People never want to be just a number, a chart or a diagnosis. They want their doctors to know them — to see them as real people and not just...
Lung cancer survivor: Why I’m grateful for proton therapy
Before my lung cancer diagnosis in 2007, I didn’t know anything about proton therapy. But then I came to MD Anderson for a second opinion...
What to know about mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that’s most commonly found in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, but it can also start in the lining of the...
How Enhanced Recovery Program is changing cancer patients' surgery recovery
Since becoming a doctor, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that the more we can lower patients’ anxiety levels, the better...
How I dealt with permanent hair loss and other side effects
When I first lost my hair due to breast cancer treatment, I often heard people say, “Don’t worry. It’s only hair.” The implication was that...
How I found beauty during breast cancer treatment
My doctor didn’t notice anything unusual during my well-woman exam in February 2018. When I felt a lump in my breast two months later, I wasn...
Li-Fraumeni syndrome led me to my life’s work
Genetic disorders can be really scary, but learning that I have one probably saved my life. It also led me to my current career. As a fundraiser...
Setting new life goals after uterine cancer and a total hysterectomy
I’ve always wanted to be a mom. I became an aunt at a very young age, and I loved taking care of my nieces and nephews. I worked at a child...
Young adult cancer patients find help and hope with Adolescent and Young Adult Program
Georgia Wilson, 24, remembers the first time she shared her own cancer experience to help someone else. She was sitting in the lobby of MD...