What to know about the updated COVID-19 vaccine
Signs of fall are all around us: school is back in session, and temperatures are finally starting to drop.
Another sign of fall? Updated vaccine recommendations. In late August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine that will be available this fall. Although vaccines may seem a bit less festive than other fall staples, they play an important role in keeping us safe and healthy heading into...
17 simple health changes for the New Year
The new year is a wonderful time to reflect on the past and imagine the future, but it can also come with a lot of pressure to make changes...
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT): Diagnosis, treatment and outlook
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a fast-growing cancerous tumor that develops in the central nervous system, located in the brain...
Graduate student explores cancer’s effect on metabolism
When Jose Enriquez first walked into a research chemistry lab as an undergraduate, he knew he’d found his path forward.
“I was studying biochemistry and a friend recommended I try a research position. I immediately fell in love with the work,” says the graduate research assistant in Cancer Systems Imaging. “I’d always been fascinated by science, but that was the first time I knew how I wanted to really apply my interests to a career...
Stage IV colorectal cancer survivor: 'MD Anderson gave me a second chance'
Jeff Williams had been an FBI agent for 22 years and was in great health when he had his first colonoscopy at age 50, which, back then, was...
23 cancer research highlights from the past year
Driven by our mission to end cancer, MD Anderson researchers developed new therapies, analyzed vast data sets, solved medical mysteries and...
Married volunteers share passion for serving others
When Dick and Mimi Murphy started volunteering at MD Anderson in 2011, they had no idea how much giving back would impact the patients they...
Former teacher’s wisdom helps increase high school blood donations
After spending 13 years as a classroom teacher, MD Anderson Blood Bank community representative Jeannette Salloum was thrilled to begin managing...
5 ways MD Anderson promotes cancer prevention in the community
Cancer affects every community, so MD Anderson teams get creative to share prevention information with as many people as possible.
A father’s cancer diagnosis shapes a career
“When my father was diagnosed with cancer, I was immediately put into caregivers’ shoes,” recalls Dora Wood, a medical assistant at MD Anderson...
A father’s joy turns to purpose
Early in his career, Rodney Quindoy thrived on being a critical care nurse who helped patients recover from medical emergencies. Little could...
What color is breast cancer discharge?
Only about 5% of patients report having nipple discharge as one of their breast cancer symptoms.
But when they do, what does it look...
5 ways our dietitians make their holidays healthier
It is that time of year. There are get-togethers to attend, presents to wrap and matching pajamas to wrangle family into.
With so much...
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): How it works, why it’s used and what to expect
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that examines your gastrointestinal tract. It combines two imaging techniques – endoscopy and ultrasound...
Can leukemia be treated with a pill?
Leukemia treatments have been constantly improving from the days when patients had to come to the hospital or clinic for intravenous doses...
Triple-negative breast cancer survivor: ‘MD Anderson was the right place for me’
By late 2021, Jennifer Connaly and her husband, Trey, completed five rounds of IVF in the hopes of becoming pregnant with a second child....
O-negative leukemia patient stays positive thanks to blood donations
What started as incessant itching six years ago led to a diagnosis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) for Seymour Goldstein.
Navigating cancer during the holidays
The holidays can bring contrasting emotions. You might feel joyful and stressed, happy and sad, or even grateful and annoyed.
Having...
Gallbladder cancer: 9 facts about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Your gallbladder is a small sac located just under your liver on the right side of your abdomen. It stores and releases bile, which aids in...
Can dry, scaly skin be a sign of cancer?
Dry, scaly skin can be a sign of many common skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It could also be a sign that you’re dehydrated...
10 healthy holiday gift ideas
While you can’t wrap health up in a box to give to your friends and loved ones, there are plenty of gifts you can give to help them feel and...
Metastatic melanoma patient grateful for leptomeningeal disease clinical trial
I was 40 when I was diagnosed with stage IB melanoma. Five years after I had surgery to remove the tumor on my back, I was diagnosed with...
B-cell lymphoma survivor: I experienced marriage and motherhood, thanks to MD Anderson
When you’re only 23, the last thing you expect to hear a doctor say is that you have cancer. But that’s exactly what happened to me two years...
7 ways to support a loved one with terminal cancer
It can be challenging to find the best ways to support a friend or family member with terminal cancer — that is, cancer that can’t be cured...
Neurodegeneration and cancer: What’s the link?
Recent studies have shown that age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease occur less frequently...
Can you breastfeed after cancer treatment?
For many expectant parents, breastfeeding or chestfeeding offers a crucial way to bond with their babies and pass on important nutrients....
How to navigate cancer with a history of addiction
Cancer and its treatment can affect patients physically and mentally. For patients with a history of addiction, cancer can also trigger concerns...
What to know about greens powders
Greens powders are having a moment in the spotlight.
Maybe you’ve come across them on the wellness aisle, heard them promoted on a...
How is ablation therapy used to treat cancer?
Ablation therapy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that kills cancer cells with either very hot or very cold temperatures. <...
Surgeon glad to donate blood after FDA eligibility update
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted a decades-old blood donor ban last year, Hop Tran Cao, M.D., immediately rolled up his...
How to feel better after overeating during the holidays
There is no shortage of delicious foods during the holidays – and so many opportunities to indulge! Even someone with the best of intentions...
5 things to expect after finishing chemotherapy
If you’re receiving chemotherapy as a part of your cancer treatment, you’ve probably already figured out ways to make it a little more manageable...
How many grams of added sugar should you have per day?
‘Added sugar’ is used to describe any sugar in food beyond what its whole food ingredients naturally contain. It includes both chemically...
Should you get a full-body scan to look for cancer?
Getting a full-body scan to check yourself out for possible cancers might sound like a great idea. But what are the risks and benefits? And...
5 things to know about dairy and cancer risk
A quick online search of ‘dairy and cancer’ shows a mix of results saying that dairy may cause cancer and that dairy may prevent cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer survivor faces diagnosis with trust, joy and positivity
In May 2021, Najaah Murray noticed a lump on her left breast. At 39, she was younger than the recommended age for breast cancer screening,...
6 tips to lower your blood sugar
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is common in people who have diabetes. A person’s blood sugar can be high when the pancreas doesn’t produce...
Colon cancer survivor uses rubber ducks to boost awareness
Imagine this: a rubber duck, perched on a vehicle in a parking lot, with a message that could save lives.
It's not your typical beginning...
4 types of medications that can interfere with anesthesia
Patients with cancer may take all kinds of medications – whether they’re used to treat cancer, its side effects, or other conditions that...
5 foods and drinks linked to cancer
Learning about cancer risk factors can be scary, especially when these risk factors can be something as common as food.
This knowledge...
Liver regeneration: How the liver’s ability to recover plays into liver cancer surgery
Did you know that the liver is the only internal organ that can regenerate? But it doesn’t grow back like a salamander’s tail. When a portion...
What is music medicine?
You don’t have to be a music lover to benefit from music’s healing impact. Studies have found that just 30 minutes of listening to relaxing...
What is triple-positive breast cancer? 6 insights
Triple-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that occurs when breast cancer cells use estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors...
Desmoid tumors: 8 things to know
Desmoid tumors are slow-growing, locally invasive tumors that develop in the body’s connective tissues. Also known as aggressive fibromatosis...
Squamous cell carcinoma survivor grateful for proton therapy
After a spearfishing trip, I noticed an unusual earache. When spearfishing, it is typical to dive down 50 to 60 feet in the water to fish,...
Sell by, best by and use by dates: 5 things to know
Use by.
Best by.
Sell by.
We’ve all seen these confusing terms printed alongside dates on food packages and wrappers...
Inflammatory breast cancer survivor finds hope at MD Anderson
As a first-time mother, 35-year-old Stephanie Cobb expected to feel exhausted after the birth of her daughter, Eloise, in early 2019. But...
Signs of thyroid issues: How do you know if you have them?
Ever heard someone blame their inability to lose weight on a “thyroid problem?”
While “thyroid problems” can and do cause people real...
A next-generation treatment for bile duct cancer
For patients with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, the first line of treatment often includes standard cancer treatments, such as...
What to know about castor oil health claims
It is intriguing to imagine that the solution for countless health concerns can be purchased at the grocery store or pharmacy.
Castor...
Adoption and cancer risk: Should you get genetic testing?
A family history of cancer could put you at higher risk of developing that disease one day. Depending on what type of cancer is involved,...
Brain mass survivor on MD Anderson: ‘You’re in the best hands'
“I never dreamed that I would have a mass in my skull,” says Curry Kennerly.
Today, the father and grandfather who inspects new construction...
8 tips for reaching your daily fiber intake
It is well known that a healthy diet includes fiber, but what exactly is fiber and why is it important?
“Fiber is an undigestible carbohydrate...
Lung cancer patient finds pain relief at MD Anderson
It may seem strange to feel lucky while going through cancer treatment, but that’s exactly how I feel. My lung cancer experience...
How many servings of vegetables do adults need per day?
Many of us grew up being told to eat our vegetables. However, as adults, it can be easy to skimp on vegetables, especially when no one is...
From breast cancer patient to chair of MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer®
At the beginning of 2017, Binsu Oommen decided to focus on her health, aiming to lose 40 pounds by her 40th birthday in December. She was...
7 questions about B vitamin supplements
If you follow professional or collegiate sports, you’ve probably heard at least a few athletes say they needed a B12 injection to boost their...
Stage IV breast cancer survivor thankful she can watch her child grow up
Olivia Franz was 27 years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV, HER2 positive inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
In mid-October...
Leukemia survivor: How a second opinion at MD Anderson improved and shortened my treatment
When I was 27, I was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It's a type of blood cancer usually found in children and...
How to help your autistic child navigate cancer treatment
Autistic children with cancer often face unique challenges during treatment. Because autism spectrum disorder affects how a child communicates...
Healthy foods to eat during cancer treatment
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet. But you may be wondering which foods provide the most nutrients...
Four-time cancer survivor: Why I’m glad I went to MD Anderson
I am probably the luckiest unlucky person you will ever meet. I was diagnosed with four different types of cancer between 2016 and 2020. And...
How women can manage sexual health after pelvic radiation
Radiation therapy to the pelvis can be used to treat gastrointestinal cancers, such as anal cancer and rectal cancer.
Because the anal...
Is FLASH the future of radiation therapy?
Since radiation therapy was first used to treat cancer over a century ago, clinicians have sought the right balance between maximizing the...
Optimizing CAR T cell therapy with bridging radiation therapy
For many patients diagnosed with certain types of B-cell lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy...
7 examples of processed food
When you hear the term ‘processed food,’ what examples come to mind? Perhaps colored ketchup, artificially flavored soda and potato chips...
How sleep affects your health – and how to get more of it
‘Hygiene’ typically draws to mind examples such as hand washing, showering or brushing teeth. But did you know there is also sleep hygiene...
Researcher uses art to share science with a broad audience
Art is an essential part of science. And for Nick Navin, Ph.D., it’s a succinct way to share important scientific discoveries.
“Art...
Ministrokes and cancer: 9 questions answered
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or “ministrokes” are temporary blockages caused by clots in the blood vessels that supply the brain. Usually...
What does colon cancer pain feel like?
Most people diagnosed with colon cancer won’t mention pain as one of their symptoms. But when they do, how do they describe it? What does...
What vaccines do you need this fall?
Amidst the excitement of heading back to school, football season and pumpkin spice-flavored everything, it is easy to forget that fall is...
‘How I knew I had endometrial cancer’: Six survivors share their stories
Maria Lozano was already well into menopause when she started experiencing the most common symptom of endometrial cancer (also known as uterine...
6 myths about advance directives
An advance directive is a written legal document that allows you to communicate your wishes for your health care in the event you are no longer...
What is MALT lymphoma? 6 things to know
Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, or MALT lymphoma, is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that...
5 questions about laser tattoo removal, answered
The idea of saying a permanent goodbye to an unwanted tattoo might sound almost too good to be true.
But how does laser tattoo removal...
Deep vein thrombosis as a side effect of cancer: 9 things to know
The risk of developing blood clots is somewhat higher among cancer patients. This is due both to the inflammatory nature of the disease itself...
Keep calm and play on: Volunteer uses his gifts to inspire others
It’s pitch black at 2 a.m. when John Dunsmoir gets in his car to make the drive from Austin every Friday to volunteer.
When he...
Pain medicine specialist: How research helps improve patients’ lives
Growing up in Clear Lake, Texas, I used to dream of one day working in the Texas Medical Center, with its towering buildings full of exciting...
Glioma survivor thrives after treatment at MD Anderson
“Will I be able to do Sudoku?”
That was the first question Grace Jou asked neurosurgeon Jeffrey Weinberg, M.D., who performed a craniotomy...
Are inverted nipples a sign of breast cancer?
Last updated Sept. 12, 2023
Most of the time, nipples on the breast point outward. Sometimes a nipple lays flat against the areola,...
What is a biopsy? 7 questions, answered
Many cancer patients will need a type of tissue analysis called a biopsy at some point. What is a biopsy, how does it work and what can it...
4 ways to recognize the mind-body connection during cancer treatment
There’s no doubt that a cancer diagnosis can be very stressful, both physically and psychologically. But those processes don’t occur independently...
Physical medicine and rehabilitation and cancer treatment: What to know
Cancer and its treatment can affect patients in many ways. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is a...
Lymphoma survivor grateful for second opinion
For college professor Chu Nguyen, Ph.D., taking care of his health and eating a plant-based diet is important. So, when he noticed a lump...
Breast cancer survivor: ‘I put my full trust in MD Anderson’
Michelle Bordovsky had been diligent about scheduling her annual mammograms for over a decade. So, when the 52-year-old noticed a bump on...
Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma: What you need to know
Central nervous system lymphoma, or CNS lymphoma, is an aggressive, rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It most often occurs when cancerous...
What are multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, and should you get one?
In the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology, an innovation that could revolutionize cancer screening has emerged. Multi-cancer early...
Peripheral neuropathy: Causes, symptoms and treatments
Many patients receive chemotherapy as part of their cancer treatment plan. These drugs have long shown benefits in extending patients’ lives...
Desmoid tumor survivor: Why I fly 3,000 miles to get quarterly check-ups at MD Anderson
When I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer about 12 years ago, I sought treatment for it in Anchorage, the biggest city near my home...
Double-hit lymphoma survivor: ‘If I hadn’t gone to MD Anderson, I wouldn’t be here’
By the time I was diagnosed with stage IV double-hit B-cell lymphoma in early 2019, I was in really bad shape. Scans showed that the cancer...
3 myths about anal cancer, debunked
Anal cancer is a fairly rare type of cancer that develops in the anus and anal canal. About 8,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with anal...
Edema and cancer: 8 questions answered
Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissue. It happens when the fluid that would normally stay in the bloodstream leaks out...
What is supportive care?
A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. Many patients struggle to deal with the physical and emotional symptoms and side effects caused by...
Male breast cancer survivor gains new perspective
Male breast cancer represents approximately 1% of all cases of breast cancer. Until my diagnosis, I did not know men could get breast cancer...
Radiation treatment for breast cancer: What to expect
Many patients diagnosed with breast cancer will need radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. How is it different from treatments...
7 chemotherapy side effects and how to manage them
Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It’s typically used to kill cancerous cells in the body, but it can also be...
Traveling with cancer: 7 questions to ask your doctor
Some elements of travel are the same for everyone. Clothing and toiletries, for instance, are generally a packing staple. Many people bring...
Is breast cancer more common on the left side?
A study published in Nature last fall suggests that breast cancer is slightly more common on the left side of the body than it is on the right...
Can watery eyes be a sign of cancer?
Watery eyes, also known by the medical term epiphora, occur when excessive tears drain from the eyes.
This may seem common, but can...
7 tips for returning to work after cancer
Going back to work after cancer treatment can be challenging. You may be consumed with constant thoughts of what ifs: What if I can’t physically...
Supporting a loved one with cancer as a young adult? Follow this advice
As a young adult, it can be difficult supporting someone with cancer. Whether it’s your parent, grandparent, or family friend, learning how...
Three years after stem cell transplant, leukemia survivor meets her perfect match
I was 71 years old when Guillermo Garcia-Manero, M.D., diagnosed me with aggressive, high-risk, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) that morphed...
30-year stage IV colon cancer survivor: Cryoablation clinical trial at MD Anderson saved my life
When Gene Jones was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 1993, cryoablation was such a new therapy that MD Anderson was still waiting on...
Brain tumor survivor thanks MD Anderson for second chance at life
On Oct. 29, 2022, David Irwin woke up in a hospital, groggy and confused. It was his 39th birthday, but it was clear this was no celebration...
Breast cancer survivor: ‘MD Anderson is a healing mecca’
On the night of Sept. 19, 2022, J’Nan Erker visited her parents to congratulate them on a milestone event. But after the celebration, she...
Anal cancer vs. colorectal cancer: What’s the difference?
Anal cancer and colorectal cancer both develop in the lower gastrointestinal tract, but these types of cancer differ in many ways.  ...
Bonded by a stem cell transplant, leukemia survivor and his donor become family for life
Curt Bogard recalls first being more tired than usual during a father and son road trip from Texas to the northeast corner of Maine. When...
Childhood brain tumor diagnosis fuels commitment to future generations
As he approaches his 30th birthday, Harrison Elias often looks around and cannot believe how far he has come. After completing his master’...
Artificial sweeteners and cancer: 7 things to know
Artificial sweeteners have been on a lot of people’s minds lately — especially since the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency...
College professor: I tell my students not to make the same mistake I did
In early 2023, I had my first-ever colonoscopy. I was 68. My wife had been pushing me to get one for several years, but I felt fine and didn...
4 things to know about marginal zone lymphoma
Lymphoma is often thought of as a cancer of lymph nodes, but it's actually a cancer of the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells...
Triple-negative breast cancer survivor finds success with integrative medicine
Jewel Johnson was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in December 2019 at age 57. She’d visited her primary care physician in Houston...
Breast cancer survivor: Why I chose MD Anderson for treatment during my second pregnancy
I will never forget the day I found out I had breast cancer. It was the first week of October 2022 — the very beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness...
Navigating cancer as a young adult: Common issues and how to manage them
A cancer diagnosis can be scary at any age, but navigating cancer as a young adult presents unique challenges. We spoke with Wendy Griffith...
Navigating cancer as a young adult: Going away to college
Dealing with cancer as a teenager or young adult living at home can be difficult, but what happens when you go away to college? Whether you...
Chief Patient Experience Officer: My pancreatic cancer diagnosis gave me a new perspective
When I matched with MD Anderson for my fellowship in gynecologic oncology, my wife and I joked we would only be in Texas for four years. But...
Pediatric cancer parents: Why we traveled from Denmark for proton therapy at MD Anderson
When our son Lue was about 18 months old, we noticed he was sweating a lot. He was a happy toddler with no other visible symptoms. But when...
Breast cancer survivor: ‘MD Anderson gave me my life back’
When Lucinda Rudolph was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in April 2020 after an annual breast cancer screening, she wasn’t given much...
Radon exposure and lung cancer: 11 things to know
After smoking, radon exposure is considered the second most common cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is usually suspected when...
Stage IV adrenal cancer survivor: Why I’ll keep on climbing mountains
As a professional firefighter, I’ve seen death close-up on more than one occasion. I’ve literally watched the light fade from a critically...
5 questions to ask a medical oncologist during your first visit
One of the first physicians you may speak with after a cancer diagnosis is a medical oncologist.
These doctors specialize in...
When should I take antibiotics? 7 questions, answered
Antibiotics are a class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing the bacteria outright or by disabling...
Antibody drug conjugates: A shift in treatment options for solid tumors
Antibody drug conjugates have existed for years, but several recent advances are helping to refine how these cancer drugs work, expanding...
How long does a colonoscopy take?
A colonoscopy is the best way to screen for colorectal cancer. Everyone at average risk for the disease should start getting them at age 45...
‘How I knew I had throat cancer’: Four survivors share their symptoms
For high school football coach Mark Teague, the only symptom of throat cancer he noticed was a small lump beneath his jaw.
“I...
Breast cancer survivor and employee: Why I made quilts for two MD Anderson doctors
How do you thank someone properly for saving your life? Seriously, how do you accomplish that in a way that the recipient might find meaningful...
Laryngeal cancer: What you should know
Laryngeal cancer, or larynx cancer, occurs when cancerous cells form in the larynx. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is the part of...
Ovarian cysts and cancer: Is there a connection?
Benign — or non-cancerous — ovarian cysts are common among women of childbearing age. And most premenopausal women who have one at any given...
Working during cancer treatment: Advice to help you manage
Last updated Sept. 22, 2023
Working during cancer treatment can be challenging. What do you say to coworkers? Will you be able to take...
Meet MD Anderson's longest contributing blood donor
Tom Taylor has been a blood donor since before MD Anderson had a computer system to keep records on the matter.
The records of ...
How often should I get a colonoscopy?
Getting a colonoscopy is important to screen for colorectal cancer. But how often you should get a colonoscopy depends on several different...
Prostate cancer survivor: MD Anderson is the only place to be
Before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2020, neither my wife nor I had ever heard of MD Anderson. We’re both from upstate New...
Breast cancer survivor: Preventive surgery at MD Anderson caught my early-stage ovarian cancer
When I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2018, I wasn’t really that surprised. My gynecologist had been monitoring several...
Cancer of the nose: Facts about nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
Nose and sinus cancers occur when cancerous cells form in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. These types of cancers are extremely rare...
Colorectal cancer screening: At what age should I get a colonoscopy?
Colorectal cancer screening can detect cancer early, giving you the greatest chance for successful treatment. While colonoscopy is the gold...
Clinical trial of new AhR inhibitor shows cancer might be even more wily than we thought
The human immune system is constantly attacking damaged cells that might turn into cancer, thus protecting us from these cells growing out...
Your questions about BCMA and multiple myeloma, answered
You may have heard someone with multiple myeloma mention the possibility of BCMA-targeted therapy and wondered what BCMA means and why it...
Leukemia specialist, amateur painter finds meaningful connection between art and medicine
Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., isn’t just the head of Leukemia at MD Anderson; he’s also a prolific artist.
Since 1992, the leukemia specialist...
Updates in soft tissue sarcoma
Sarcoma describes a broad group of cancers that originate in the bones and soft or connective tissues, forming in the blood vessels, nerves...
Is a clinical trial right for me?
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new drug or treatment to make sure that it is safe and effective for patients. <...
The next generation of CDK inhibitors is coming
Since the discovery of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), a family of proteins vital in the early stages of cell development, scientists have...
Stage IV colon cancer survivor grateful for MD Anderson
In January 2020, Bart Wilson had a colonoscopy after complaining of lower abdominal pain and blood in his stool. Sensing something was wrong...
Husband and wife undergo same pancreatic cancer surgery
Tim Leary still remembers the shock he felt after he was diagnosed with two cancers in two years – prostate cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma...
Colonoscopy anesthesia: 7 things to know
If you’ve never had a colonoscopy before, you might have some questions about anesthesia.
Is there more than one option, for...
Breast cancer survivor: second opinion led to correct diagnosis and treatment plan
Cancer is no stranger to Robyn Heid’s family. Robyn, the youngest of 10 children, lost a brother in 1992 to lymphoma and her father to prostate...
How to disclose your cancer diagnosis
Finding out you have cancer can be hard enough. Telling your family, friends and employer that you have cancer can add another layer of stress...
Uterine leiomyoma patient: An embolization procedure at MD Anderson changed my life
I was diagnosed with an extremely rare myeloproliferative disorder called Rosai-Dorfman disease in 2014. It’s not fatal, but it does cause...
Clinical trial enables marathoner with glioblastoma to keep running
Scott Brenneman embodies a spirit of endurance in every aspect of his life.
He is a corporate attorney focused on security and risk...
From trainee to faculty: For leukemia specialist and researcher, all roads lead back to MD Anderson
On a Saturday in late February, Hussein Abbas, M.D., Ph.D., celebrated becoming a U.S. citizen. It was nearly two decades in the making and...
What happens if a doctor finds cancer during my colonoscopy?
Most colonoscopies end with a gastroenterologist saying to come back in 10 years for another colorectal cancer screening, a woozy ride home...
Can pelvic organ prolapse be a sign of cancer?
Pelvic organ prolapse — or the intrusion of nearby organs into the vaginal canal — is a condition that occurs most often as a side effect...
Anesthesia for pediatric cancer patients: What parents should know
Throughout cancer treatment, patients may undergo anesthesia for a variety of reasons. Surgery may be the most obvious, but patients may also...
Mesothelioma survivor: Why I support fecal transplant research
When I started immunotherapy for mesothelioma at MD Anderson last year, I wasn’t concerned about colitis as a possible side effect. I was...
Stage III B cell lymphoma survivor: Go to MD Anderson first
By the time I got to MD Anderson in early 2011, I was very, very sick. I’d been diagnosed with a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called B cell...
Dry mouth (xerostomia) in cancer patients: 5 things to know
Xerostomia is the scientific term for a chronically dry mouth. Though it might not seem like that big of a deal, dry mouth is actually a very...
Breast cancer survivor and employee: MD Anderson is the only place to be
A breast cancer diagnosis is not the end of the world, though it can certainly feel like it at the time. And I know, because I’ve been there...
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs: 5 things to know
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs is a type of non-small-cell cancer that originates in the thin, flat cells lining the airways. About...
Foods to avoid with pituitary tumors
Pituitary tumors grow in the pituitary gland, the pea-sized structure just behind the eyes at the base of the brain. These tumors are almost...
Salivary gland cancer: 9 things to know
Cancer of the salivary gland is not very common. Only about 2,500 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.
So, how do you...
Caring for adult children with cancer: 4 tips for parents
Learning that your child has cancer is never easy — no matter how old your child might be. But in some ways, managing their care can be simpler...
Ovarian cancer survivor: Immunotherapy clinical trial saved my life
On Feb. 6, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage IIIc ovarian cancer. The abruptness of it all was shocking. In an instant, I was snatched from...
After two melanoma diagnoses, a family reflects on their experiences at MD Anderson
Sam Gee was preparing for a wrestling tournament his freshman year of high school when a referee pointed out a suspicious spot on his back...
Family touched by cancer invests in research and patient wellness initiatives at MD Anderson
Arlene Holden’s family knows all too well that cancer touches everyone. Over the past two decades, Arlene’s daughters, Gayle Kuoni and Lerryn...
How to detect colon cancer without a colonoscopy
Current screening guidelines suggest that everyone should get their first colonoscopy at age 45 if they are at average risk for colon cancer...
Should you have your fallopian tubes removed to reduce your ovarian cancer risk?
A woman could have her fallopian tubes removed for any number of reasons. Sometimes, it’s necessary to treat an ectopic pregnancy or to resolve...
Stage IV colon cancer survivor and family thankful for MD Anderson
In December 2021, Luke Miller went to the emergency room because of pain in his side. An ultrasound revealed a small spot on his liver. Two...
What does ‘supporting’ a cancer patient look like? 4 dos and don’ts
If you know someone going through cancer treatment, you might feel eager to help, but not quite sure what to do.
Should you offer them...
Kidney cancer survivor donates $10 million to advance cellular therapy
As a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV), Vijay Goradia has been a long-time supporter of MD Anderson. But in...
Fecal microbiota transplants: 10 questions, answered
If you’ve never heard of a fecal microbiota transplant before, the concept might seem a bit startling at first.
But transferring...
Soft tissue sarcoma survivor’s trust in her care team was vital during treatment
After a Mardi Gras parade in February 2019, Taylor Fradella-Doucet noticed some soreness in her thigh, but she chalked it up to evidence of...
What’s new in CAR T cell therapy? Solid tumor advances
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been an amazing advance for treating blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple...
What’s new in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common liver cancer?
Liver cancer is one of the most quickly increasing types of cancer in the United States due to a poor lifestyle causing obesity, diabetes,...
What is the role of ferroptosis in cancer?
Our cells can die in many ways, one of which is ferroptosis. Recent studies reveal that ferroptosis plays a significant role in tumor suppression...
How is single-cell sequencing accelerating progress against cancer?
Single-cell sequencing transformed our ability to study cells individually and with much higher resolution, giving us a clearer picture of...
Spatial omics offer a deeper look at tertiary lymphoid structures in cancer
Tertiary lymphoid structures are highly organized clusters of immune cells that form in non-lymphoid tissues. They’re often found at sites...
8 do’s and don’ts for pet owners during cancer treatment
Pets can provide emotional support, companionship and stress relief during cancer treatment. But cancer patients should exercise caution when...
5 thoughtful, personalized ways to make a cancer patient feel loved
You may already know that people tend to feel loved best when friends and family show affection in the ways that they find the most meaningful...
Six-time cancer survivor: How my diagnoses led me to MD Anderson
I’ve been diagnosed with six different cancers over the last 50 years: testicular, prostate, leukemia, bladder, pancreatic and kidney. All...
What is neurofibromatosis type 1?
Neurofibromatosis is a collection of three different genetic disorders that cause fibrous tumors to form around nerves in the body. Neurofibromatosis...
What does oral thrush look like?
Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth often caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. But why do people receiving cancer treatment...
Lymphoma caregiver: MD Anderson is not just my workplace — it’s my passion
My husband, Donald, and I had been dating for less than a year in June 2010, when he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin...
Clear cell carcinoma survivor: Second opinion at MD Anderson saved my life
When Josephine Spence experienced a sudden, agonizing pain in her right calf, her husband and daughter urged her to go to the hospital right...
Diabetes specialist: Why I love working at MD Anderson
When I first joined the faculty at MD Anderson in 2012, I didn’t really intend to stay, even though I was one of only two diabetes specialists...
5 ways to improve your life as a caregiver
When you act as the caregiver for a cancer patient, it’s easy to let your own needs take a back seat sometimes. After all, they are the sick...
Immunotherapy clinical trial puts stage IV kidney cancer into remission
From 2013 to 2015, Mike Headley and his wife, Betty, kicked off their retirement by traveling to 30 states in their RV. When the couple returned...
Children’s Art Project gives osteosarcoma survivor meaningful experiences as both a child and an adult
Jordan Rance was only 11 years old when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2005.
“I didn’t have any symptoms,” she says. “I got...
How proton therapy helped my son with a childhood brain tumor
My son Benjamin was born weighing only 3 pounds. He stayed in the NICU for seven months. It was challenging and financially draining....
How BTK inhibitors treat mantle cell lymphoma
B cells are an important part of the immune system. One of their jobs is to neutralize the threat from a foreign invader known as a pathogen...
What does an early inflammatory breast cancer rash look like?
Redness or another change in the skin color of the breast, swelling on one side and/or a rash that appears quickly — sometimes literally overnight...
How to manage the fear of cancer recurrence
Overcoming cancer or completing treatment can make many survivors feel like they’re on top of the world. But there’s another very real, raw...
5 hard truths it’s important to acknowledge as a caregiver
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), roughly 6 in every 10 adults live with some form of chronic illness. Many are severe enough...
4 facts about Hurthle cell carcinoma
There are four main types of thyroid cells: follicular, papillary, medullary and Hurthle. While they’re all different, each of these cells...
Oligometastatic cancer: What patients with stage IV cancer should know
What does it mean when your cancer has spread? Many patients given a cancer diagnosis of metastatic cancer or stage IV cancer do not know...
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor: How MD Anderson supports transgender patients like me
I’ve been in treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma for more than 30 years. Since I was first diagnosed in 1992, I’ve had radiation therapy, a...
Can frequent UTIs be a sign of bladder cancer?
The symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the symptoms of bladder cancer can be very similar. Both may involve pain while urinating...
What is a colonoscopy? Your questions, answered
You’ve probably heard that a colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. But you may still have questions...
Can you have thyroid cancer without knowing?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. It’s responsible for the hormones that control your heart rate, blood...
What is microsatellite instability?
When a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, one of the things their doctor might refer to is whether their cancer has microsatellite instability...
How is ovarian cancer treated?
One reason ovarian cancer often comes with a poor prognosis is that the disease is not usually diagnosed until it’s already in the latter...
7 myths about caregiving you shouldn’t believe
Taking care of myself is selfish.
All of the support available is for patients.
Nobody really understands what I'm going through...
Tips on how to navigate MD Anderson
Nearly eight years ago, I was undergoing surgery at MD Anderson to remove a low-grade brain tumor. My treatment lasted about 18 months. Although...
Sneakers and college basketball: How my son’s adrenal cancer diagnosis led us to raise funds for research
My son, Dan Hund, was everything a parent could ever want: a good student, a state high school football champion, a college graduate with...
Olfactory neuroblastoma survivor champions self-advocacy and integrative medicine
When Regina Gibbs began having nasal congestion and a sore throat in late 2020, she assumed she’d caught COVID-19. The symptoms were similar...
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Cervical cancer can be detected with a Pap test. Breast cancer can be detected with mammograms and clinical breast exams. But ovarian cancer...
Is colon cancer curable?
It’s normal to feel a bit nervous after a colon cancer diagnosis. Questions about treatment options, lifestyle changes and life expectancy...
Two-time cancer survivor grateful for a second opinion and MD Anderson
In the fall of 2020, Bill Middelthon felt something like a canker sore in his mouth. Normally, canker sores heal on their own in about 2 to...
Physician-scientist focused on improving brain metastases treatment
Looking at his career, it might seem like Hussein Tawbi, M.D., Ph.D., was destined to become one of the founding leaders of MD...
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): 7 things to know
If you’ve been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, you might have questions. For instance, is DCIS the same thing as stage 0...
Food allergies and cancer: How to nourish yourself well during treatment
Navigating life with a food allergy is often a challenge on its own. Throw in a cancer diagnosis on top of it, and nourishing yourself properly...
Two-time cancer survivor: ‘Without MD Anderson, I wouldn’t be where I am today’
In November 2020, I returned to work after spending years at home with my then 6-year-old daughter. I started noticing irregular vaginal bleeding...
What to expect after an oophorectomy: 9 questions, answered
If you need an oophorectomy as a part of your ovarian cancer treatment, you probably have some questions.
How much of your internal...
Former highway patrolman encourages others to give blood
Nolan Maxie, 84, has been motivating those around him to donate blood for nearly six decades. His dedication to helping others through blood...
Physician-scientist: I found my sense of belonging at MD Anderson
Being part of a community doesn’t have to mean conforming to others. I’ve found my community at MD Anderson. We celebrate our differences...
Neutropenic precautions: 5 dos and don’ts for this cancer treatment side effect
You may already know that it’s important to wash your hands, wear a face mask and avoid sick people while neutropenic.
But is there...
Cancer of the hard palate: 8 things to know
The palate — or roof of the mouth — consists of two sections. The soft area toward the back of the mouth is considered a part of the throat...
CT scan vs. MRI: What’s the difference?
You may already know that MRIs and CT scans are two of the imaging methods doctors use to diagnose and stage cancer.
But do you...
Pregnancy-related skin changes or skin cancer? How to tell the difference
Body changes are a normal, expected part of pregnancy for most women. In addition to a growing belly, you can also experience changes to your...
Topical magnesium patches and sprays for cancer patients: Are they safe?
If you shop online or use social media at all, you’ve probably seen at least one advertisement recently for topical magnesium sprays or transdermal...
Leukemia caregiver: Why I personally support MD Anderson’s research
By the autumn of 2017, I’d been working as a grant program manager in the Department of Translational Molecular Pathology on the research...
8 excuses not to donate blood, busted
I’m taking medication.
I just got over the flu.
I have a chronic health condition.
These are three common reasons...
Salivary gland cancer survivor: Why MD Anderson is #1 in cancer treatment
Before I was diagnosed with stage IV salivary gland cancer at age 65, I’d thought of MD Anderson as a place where only people with serious...
Pediatric brain tumor parent: We're grateful for MD Anderson
When Ben Gadot’s brain tumor symptoms began in 2013, he was just 3 months old. The first sign was a visual change in his eyes. &...
Realizing the power of data science to advance cancer research and cancer care
Last updated on Nov. 3, 2023
Like hundreds of thousands of starlings aloft in the sky flying together to create a mass that swoops...
Getting to know Research Vice President Eyal Gottlieb, Ph.D.
With the single spark of an idea, MD Anderson’s researchers – some of the best and brightest minds in the field – have the freedom and support...
Triple-negative breast cancer survivor: MD Anderson is ‘a hospital like no other’
Before moving to Hong Kong with my husband for his job in 2004, I was an ER and neurosurgery nurse in the Texas Medical Center. I really liked...
A personal mission to develop leaders to end cancer
Courtney Holladay’s connection to MD Anderson’s mission began at age 4 when she learned her mom had ovarian cancer. “I don’t remember much...
Need CAR T cell therapy? Here’s what to expect
CAR T cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy used to treat lymphoma, multiple myeloma and some forms of leukemia. The treatment modifies...
Side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer
If you need radiation therapy as a part of your breast cancer treatment, you may have questions about side effects.
What are the most...
Nursing administrator raises awareness about MD Anderson in the community
Doyle Bosque always felt called to become a nurse. But early in his career, he questioned that decision.
“Some days can be especially...
Driven to help other families access advanced cancer care close to home
After losing her mother and six of her 15 siblings to cancer, everything Marvetta Walker does as executive director for Projects and Operations...
Childhood leukemia survivor is determined to be a counselor for future campers
Rappelling up a rock-climbing wall was Akilah Lopez’s greatest challenge at MD Anderson’s Camp Family Fun Day in August 2022.
“They...
Resident physician focuses on improving LGBTQ+ cancer care
For Benjamin Schrank, M.D., Ph.D., personalized medicine is about more than tailoring treatment.
Schrank, a resident physician...
Rectal cancer surgery: Your treatment options and what to expect
Rectal cancer can impact many of the body’s most basic functions. So, it’s important to find a surgeon who understands the balance between...
The XBB1.5 COVID-19 variant: 7 questions, answered
A new COVID-19 subvariant called XBB1.5 is on the rise across the U.S.
Early reports indicate that it is much more contagious...
Training the next generation of histotechnologists
Coming from a long line of educators all the way back to her great-grandmother, Toysha Mayer, D.H.Sc., swore she’d choose a different career...
Cancer of the gums: 9 things to know
Gum disease is far more common than any type of gum cancer.
But how do you know if you have gingivitis, periodontitis or cancer...
Physician-scientist driven to improve treatment options for kidney and bladder cancer patients
Sangeeta Goswami, M.D., Ph.D., always has been a “people person.” Her love of her patients and her colleagues has fueled her work in both...
5 facts about colon cancer surgery
Surgery is a common part of colon cancer treatment. Just about every patient diagnosed with stage I-III colon cancer will have surgery at...
10 things to avoid while receiving chemotherapy
If you’re receiving chemotherapy as a part of your cancer treatment, you’ve probably already learned a few tricks to make the experience easier...
College student thrilled to volunteer again at MD Anderson
Like most college seniors, graduation, starting a career and making a mark on the world are top of mind for Saloni Cholia. An ecology and...