Head of Cancer Medicine: ‘MD Anderson is the place I bring my...
As a physician-scientist, I have a series of roles at MD Anderson. I’m the division head of Cancer Medicine where I oversee 16 medical...
Is seed oil healthy?
There have been mixed messages about whether seed oils are healthy or unhealthy. On one hand, seed oils are unsaturated, or “healthy”...
Invasive ductal carcinoma: 6 things to know about this...
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is breast cancer that starts in the breast ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue. It is the most...
What can a pathology report tell you?
If you’ve ever noticed a pathology report pop up in MyChart after a biopsy or a surgical procedure, you might have some...
Gynecologic oncologist: Why I’m passionate about cancer...
I’ve always sought out opportunities to advocate for women and women’s health. That’s what drew me to the field of gynecologic...
Diet soda and cancer risk: What you should know
Diet soda has few, if any, calories. So, you may think it’s a healthier, waist-shrinking alternative to regular soda. But that’s not...
What are the symptoms of liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma, making up about 15% to 20% of diagnoses. Liposarcoma develops in the fat...
Personalized treatment helps retired physician overcome...
As a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, Steve Meltzer traveled past MD Anderson many times. However, he never thought he...
How to get your heart rate up
Exercise is an important part of disease prevention – and that includes cancer prevention. But not all exercise is created equal. It’s...
Cancer treatment side effect: Muscle cramps
If you’ve ever had a charley horse — or a severe sudden spasm in your calf — you know that muscle cramps are no joke.
But...
Young adult breast cancer survivor: Why I volunteer at the...
I have volunteered at the Texas Children’s Houston Open golf tournament for three of the last five years.
The first time...
Olfactory neuroblastoma didn’t stop this survivor from...
When Justin Masse was diagnosed with a type of skull base tumor called olfactory neuroblastoma, he wanted to learn everything about...
What happens when you overeat?
Sometimes it’s because something tastes good. Other times, it’s due to stress or anxiety. Occasionally, it’s just a mindless habit....
How to make colonoscopy prep better
Clear liquid diets, giant containers of prep solution, heightened nerves, and spending the majority of an evening tied to your...
Surgical drains 101: What to know about their use, care and...
When you need surgery as a part of your cancer treatment, you usually know that you’re going to have something removed. But many...
Negative effects of vaping on teens
When e-cigarettes were first sold, many claimed users would be adult smokers who wanted to stop smoking regular cigarettes.
But...
Estate planning checklist: How to start ‘getting your...
Many patients come to MD Anderson for a second opinion after being told elsewhere: “Get your affairs in order.”
But what...
Breast medical oncologist: Collaboration, education and...
After graduating from medical school, I moved to Houston with the goal of becoming a cardiologist. But a clinical rotation at MD...
Artificial sweeteners vs. natural sweeteners: Which one is...
The baking aisle at the grocery store can be a little overwhelming. There are so many different ingredients — especially sweeteners....
What types of cancer can cause itchy skin?
Your skin can itch for many reasons, such as allergies, insect bites and dry skin. The itch, called pruritus, will usually go away...
What is a total laryngectomy?
A total laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, or voice box. It is a common procedure used to treat laryngeal cancer.
...
How to avoid injury when starting a new exercise routine
You’ve dusted off your dumbbells, washed out your water bottle, and retrieved your sneakers from the back of the closet. But it's...
Why I began my nursing career at MD Anderson
Growing up, I was drawn to the medical field because it combined my passion for helping others with my love for the sciences. So,...
How to clean your ears safely: Tips to avoid harm
Cleaning your ears may sound simple. But you might be wondering about the best way to clean your ears, how often you should do it and...
What is hematemesis? Vomiting blood, explained
Hematemesis is the scientific term for vomiting blood. But it’s not the same thing as hemoptysis, which is coughing up blood. The...
How to deal with changes in your appearance due to cancer...
Cancer treatments have the potential to cause sudden, significant changes in your appearance.
Whether it’s a scar due to surgery...
Need a punch biopsy? Here’s what to expect
As a dermatologist, I examine skin all day, every day. If I see something concerning on your skin, I may perform a punch biopsy to...
Breast cancer survivor-volunteer and colorectal cancer...
It all began over a hot cup of coffee, a warm smile and the need to speak with someone who knew what she was going...
Can’t give blood yourself? Here are three other ways to...
If you know how much blood donations benefit cancer patients, you may already be eager to roll up your sleeve.
But what if you’ve...
7 bird flu questions, answered
It’s flu season – and not just for humans. Bird flu, or avian influenza, refers to many viruses that typically infect birds, similar...
Why is it harder to lose weight as you get older?
As you get older, you may have a hard time losing weight. Even shedding just one to two pounds can prove difficult.
So why is it so...
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate...
If you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, you may be wondering which treatment options are available to you. Prostate cancer...
Thyroid biopsy: Purpose, process and recovery
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your lower neck. A thyroid biopsy is a procedure that helps diagnose or rule...
8 viruses that cause cancer
Researchers know that several infections can lead to cancer. This includes infections caused by bacteria, fungi and...
Is talc in makeup safe?
Talcum powder, also known as talc, is a naturally occurring mineral that is a common ingredient in products from baby powder to...
How to take medications properly: 6 questions, answered
A lot of people don’t think twice when the pharmacist at the drugstore asks them if they have any questions or need counseling about...
What is yoga therapy?
While yoga may draw to mind images of mat-filled studios, yoga can be practiced in many places, including healthcare settings. The use...
Clinical Ethics Fellow passionate about improving patient...
Maureen Pontarelli, D.Be, describes her career path as a bit unconventional.
The Rochester, New York, native attended college in...
What’s the best diet for insulin resistance?
The complex way our bodies process food and keep us functioning is something many of us don’t have to think about that in-depth –...
Bronchoscopy 101: How it helps diagnose and treat lung...
A bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure in which doctors use a special scope to examine the inside of your lungs and...
Infectious diseases specialist: 10 things to know about...
Declining community vaccination rates over the past decade have led to a re-emergence of measles as a major public health concern in...
Music to a mother’s ears: Awake craniotomies bring...
Witnessing her adult son, Adrian, suffer a severe seizure at their home in the Rio Grande Valley during the spring of 2022 was...
How non-scientists are helping cancer researchers
As a teenager, Sophia Russell dreamed of making the world a better place. Today, she’s doing that by improving research studies. But...
What is a lobectomy?
A lobectomy is the surgical removal of one of the five lobes — or main sections — of the lungs. It is the most common type of...
36 foods that can help lower your cancer risk
Is there such a thing as a cancer-fighting food? Can certain foods actually prevent cancer?
Unfortunately, the answer is "...
Senior speech pathologist: Patients are my No. 1 priority
When I started my career in speech pathology, I fell in love right away. It was truly rewarding to help people communicate better,...
Motivated to do more for pediatric patients
Drawing from a deep well of motherly instinct, Lashee Jones made a life-changing decision in 2022.
She gave up her job as a...
Macronutrients 101: What to know about protein, carbs and...
Many eating plans focus on changing the amount of carbohydrates, fat or protein in your diet.
That’s because changing how much...
Leukemia nurse fulfills promise to her late mother
For Clinical Nurse Mikela Pettigrew, MD Anderson is more than a workplace – it’s a place of healing, hope and a promise fulfilled.
...
Weight loss during cancer treatment: 5 do’s and don’ts
The basic formula for weight loss is no secret: burn more calories than you consume. But actually doing that can feel like cracking an...
Ovarian cancer survivor, employee: Treatment at MD Anderson...
I work in Philanthropy at MD Anderson, and I’m a cancer survivor. This means I can say I’ve been both an employee and a patient at the...
Dogs boost employee wellness and morale
It all started with a question: “Why not?”
The question, posed to employees by Human Resources leaders, got Adam Siegman thinking.<...
What is the 5:2 diet?
The 5:2 diet has been receiving a lot of attention lately because of its possible connection to weight loss. But what is it, and how...
5 things to know about raised moles
When people talk about moles, they are usually referring to a variety of skin growths, including true moles — which are also called...
Hematochezia vs. melena: What’s the difference?
Hematochezia and melena are two terms that describe different ways blood can appear in your stool.
Hematochezia is bright red blood...
Video producer’s storytelling supports MD Anderson’s...
Alex King came to MD Anderson after 20 years of working in TV production in Las Vegas. The work was fun, but it was a constant...
What is mucositis? 4 things to know about this cancer...
Mucositis is a disruption in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract that causes inflammation. It is often accompanied by...
Prebiotics versus probiotics: What’s the difference?
Prebiotics and probiotics sound similar, but these nutrients benefit your gut health in different ways.
Here, I answer common...
4 questions with immunology researcher Susan Bullman
Susan Bullman, Ph.D., has studied bacteria and how it contributes to cancer for decades. Her research led her from her home in Ireland...
Art Space volunteer draws inspiration from young friend
If you ask David Simon what he likes best about volunteering at MD Anderson, you’ll get a grin and a one-word answer.
“Schmoozing.”...
What is anal dysplasia? Causes, treatment and outlook
Anal dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the anal canal change and become abnormal. Anal dysplasia is not cancer. But it can...
Gynecologic oncologist: How I combine art and science
My career path has been full of surprises. Growing up in a small town in northern Pennsylvania, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. It...
Understanding sarcoidosis: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the growth of lesions called granulomas. Although it is most commonly found in the...
4 questions for mathematical oncologist Heiko Enderling,...
For Heiko Enderling, Ph.D., the start of a question to solve a problem often begins with a pen on a paper napkin or chalk on a...
Asbestos exposure and cancer: 8 things to know
Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to a substance called asbestos. This rare cancer develops in the mesothelial cells,...
10 years of EndTobacco
What’s in a name? For MD Anderson’s EndTobacco™ Program, it’s an ambitious commitment to tackling an issue that extends far beyond...
Breast cancer survivor’s mindset and trust in doctors got...
Kristy Mouton started getting annual mammograms at age 26 due to a family history of breast cancer. Her results had always been...
Cancer survivor summits highest point in contiguous U.S.
I started mountaineering during my time in the Air Force in my 20s. I love being outdoors and going places that most people aren’t...
Prostate cancer survivor excited to donate blood again
When Ben Mayer received his race bib for the January 2023 Chevron Houston Marathon, instead of writing his usual, “Go, Ben, go,” he...
What is royal jelly?
A bee product called royal jelly has been getting plenty of buzz online lately. A quick search for ‘royal jelly’ pulls up many...
Understanding adult rhabdomyosarcoma: Types, prognosis and...
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the skeletal muscles. The disease is most common in children...
What to know about nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches first became available in the U.S. almost a decade ago. Today, they are the second most used tobacco product among...
Chordoma survivor: 'Put your faith in the doctors'
“I was very lucky to go to MD Anderson,” says Chuck Schlesinger.
In early 2015, Chuck was playing tennis when he felt a sharp pain...
Histotripsy for liver cancer: What to know about this novel...
If you, or someone you know, was recently diagnosed with a liver tumor, you may have heard talk about a new type of cancer treatment...
Next-generation sequencing and immunotherapy give bladder...
Meleah Foreman celebrated her 70th birthday this past year full of gratitude and hope.
“This can sound crazy for cancer, but...
Committed to making cervical cancer screening easier
When it comes to eliminating cervical cancer, prevention and screening are vital. Behavioral science and cancer researcher Jane...
Opportunistic infections: What cancer patients need to know
An opportunistic infection is one that a person with a healthy immune system is unlikely to get. It happens when bacteria or some...
How to cope with cancer when you live alone
Finding out you have cancer can cause a whirlwind of emotions. Not to mention, you’ll also need to make important treatment...
8 dos and don’ts for communication during cancer treatment
A cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment provide many opportunities for family members, friends and acquaintances to rally around...
4 things to know about peripheral nerve stimulation
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may experience pain during treatment. This pain may be either acute or chronic. Acute pain...