San Antonio oncology practice, laboratory to pay $4 million in settlement over kickback allegations
A San Antonio cancer care network and a diagnostic reference laboratory have agreed to pay more than $4 million in civil settlements after federal officials uncovered an illegal kickback arrangement, the U.S. Attorneyโs Office for the Western District of Texas said.
Troy Aikman, Dak Prescott introduce pediatric patients who will model in fashion show
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman and current Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott introduced the pediatric patients who will participate in the Texas Childrenโs Cancer Fundโs โA Knight to Rememberโ Gala fashion show Monday in Dallas.
San Antonio Fire Departmentโs cancer prevention initiative becomes model for other fire departments
The San Antonio Fire Department's Quartermaster program was started in 2019 as a pilot program. It has now become part of the city's annual budget and initiatives to minimize crews' exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.
Bill would require insurance to approve testing that personalizes cancer treatments
A bill is headed to the governor's desk that would require insurance companies to approve biomarker testing. The testing helps cancer patients decide what treatments they need, so they don't waste time with trial and error.
โA godsendโ: Roseโs House for breast cancer warriors helps first โgratefulโ guest through major post-op recovery
Last year, it was just a dream -- serving as a safe haven of comfort and peace, for women recovering from major breast cancer surgery. Now, itโs become a reality for Pat and Phil Gonzales.
Researchers Discover Treatment That May Be Viable For Human Brain Cancer
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University, Northwestern University, and ImmunoGenesis has discovered a treatment for glioblastoma that has promising implications for the human version of the aggressive cancer form that grows in the brain.
START Center encourages patients with severe illnesses to get COVID-19 vaccine
A man battling a severe illness was hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but after seeking advice from his doctor and ultimately getting vaccinated, heโs encouraging others with hesitancy in vulnerable health communities to do so as well.
โUnrivaledโ cancer proton therapy facility headed to UT Health San Antonio, one of 40 in U.S.
Proton therapy is an advanced cancer radiation technique that better targets tumors, without harming the tissue around them. The facilities are expensive and complex but within two years, South Texas will have one at a brand new UT Health San Antonio facility.
San Antonio family, area nonprofit try to make difference in community for those dealing with cancer
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month and the nonprofit Gabriellaโs Smile Foundation, along with a family who turned their tragedy into an amazing cause are both aimed at helping families in and around the San Antonio.
โBryce Wisdom Wayโ: City of Converse honors Judson ISD student with street sign
On Wednesday, May 12, the City of Converse took another step to honor the life and legacy of Judson Rocket Bryce Wisdom, officially renaming the street between D.W. Rutledge Stadium and the baseball and softball fields at Judson High School as Bryce Wisdom Way.
Cologuard vs colonoscopy: A question of convenience, money
As we mark Colon Cancer Awareness Month, you may be getting reminded itโs time to make that choice. The screening test, Cologuard, is popular for a number of reasons. AdThe problem is, if you really, really need accuracy, itโs not the best choice. If a Cologuard test does indicate the presence of polyps, you will likely now need a colonoscopy, too. โTheyโre just saying, โYou have one screening, one mammography, one pap smear, one colon screening, so if you use it, tough luck.
Itโs vital to get routine colonoscopies back on track
Medical centers have seen concerning declines in the number of people coming in for routine colonoscopies. Colorectal cancer is preventable when pre-cancerous polyps are found and removed. Dr. Steele says a colonoscopy is considered the โgold standardโ in colorectal screenings, but at-home options are available too. People at high risk, including those with a family history of polyps or colon cancer, may be due sooner. If youโre worried about contracting Covid-19 at a medical facility, Dr. Steele says it may ease your mind to learn about the safety measures in place, and encourages calling your doctor.
San Antonio teen fighting cancer receives four-legged friend to help with recovery
SAN ANTONIO โ A San Antonio teen who became an amputee due to a rare form of bone cancer hopes his new four-legged friend will be able to help him regain his independence. In January, Adams received Dexter, an Australian Shepherd-Blue Lacy mix dog, as a gift to become a service dog. AdDespite the cost, Adamsโs mother said training Dexter to become a service dog is a must for her son. Adams and his family say they are forever grateful for the support from the San Antonio community, which has made it easier to deal with a difficult battle. RELATED: Dog rescued from San Antonio River may have found forever home, officials say
San Antonio mother catches thieves stealing toys from daughterโs grave
SAN ANTONIO โ A San Antonio mother is fighting back after she caught two people stealing toys from her daughterโs grave on surveillance video. I said, โMy daughter canโt even rest peacefully because they are taking her belongings.โโThe first camera Kennedy put up was vandalized. To me, all of that stuff is valuable to me because I buy it from my heart for my daughter.โKennedy has filed a police report with San Antonio police. She said she wants the men caught, and she wants better security for the sake of the many loved ones buried at the cemetery. If you have any information that can help, you are urged to call San Antonio police.
Photos: Alex Trebek throughout the years
Alex Trebek attends the ""SNL 40th Anniversary Special" at Rockfeller Plaza in New York City in 2015. is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Television presenter Alex Trebek and actress Betty White attend the Third Annual Television Academy Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Santa Monica, California, 1986. Alex Trebek, Vanna White, Pat Sajak and Merv Griffin in 2006. (Photo by Lars Niki/Corbis via Getty Images) (Getty Images.)
โYour lungs are filled with double pneumoniaโ: Breast exam leads to San Antonio womanโs COVID-19 diagnosis
SAN ANTONIO โ A San Antonio woman says a breast exam led doctors to discover she had COVID-19, even though she wasnโt showing any symptoms. Joanne Garcia discovered a lump in her breast earlier this year and underwent several exams. โI actually went in to get a breast CT scan, so they could try and see where the cancer is,โ Garcia said. โShe goes, โI canโt see anything visible with your breast cancer on the CT scan because you have COVID lungs. โLuckily, because her lung reserve is tremendous because of her singing career, she had no shortness of breath,โ said Dr. Maryam Elmi, breast surgical oncologist at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Testicular cancer survivor now works to fight it with others
The American Cancer Society predicts that, by the end of this year, there will have been 782 statewide cases of testicular cancer and 39 deaths. โMy paternal grandfather actually died from testicular cancer before I was born. Here are some quick facts from the American Cancer Society:The incidence rate of testicular cancer has been increasing in the US and many other countries for several decades. Testicular cancer is not common: about 1 of every 250 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during their lifetime. Because testicular cancer usually can be treated successfully, a manโs lifetime risk of dying from this cancer is very low: about 1 in 5,000.
How new, groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccines will impact cancer care
According to Dr. Amita Patnaik, clinical researcher for the START Center for Cancer Care, the effectiveness of the vaccines is beyond what an annual flu shot can produce. They are called mRNA vaccines, which is a category of treatment that is currently being investigated at the Start Center. โOne of the hallmarks of cancer is the ability of cancers to evade the immune system and to essentially hijack the immune system. So, by giving the vaccine, the hope is that we can get the immune system to recognize those parts of the cancer that may be able to elicit a response that can actually attack the cancer cells,โ Patnaik said. START is looking at two of these mRNA vaccines for cancer, but seeing the preliminary success of the new coronavirus gives huge hope for the future of cancer care.
Prostate cancer survivor from San Antonio urges men to get checked
My brother died from cancer,โ Jamison said. When he went in for hernia surgery, the doctors discovered an even bigger issue -- prostate cancer. โWhen you have prostate cancer, you donโt know, you donโt feel it just like a normal person,โ Jamison said. The cancer was in its early stage, and 30 days following surgery, Jamison was back on the operating table. An American Cancer Society study showed the five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
Teen battling cancer encouraging San Antonio to donate gifts to pediatric patients
SAN ANTONIO โ A San Antonio teen battling cancer is putting his battle aside and working to bring a smile to pediatric patients by hosting a toy drive. Noah Adams, 17, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in July. In the meantime, Adams is hosting a toy drive for pediatric patients at University Hospital. From now through Dec. 16, he is collecting unwrapped toys and gifts for children as young as newborn age to 29 years old. Noah Strong Toy Drive collecting toys, gifts for pediatric patients.
Central Catholic High student with rare bone cancer back home after undergoing surgery, re-learning how to walk
Central Catholic High student with rare bone cancer back home after undergoing surgery, re-learning how to walkPublished: October 27, 2020, 10:42 pmA Central Catholic High School student battling a rare form of bone cancer is back home after undergoing surgery and is re-learning how to walk.
Some simple steps for proper care when it comes to breast cancer prevention
According to recent research, the number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer has declined by half during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncologists said the reason behind it is because fewer people are visiting their health care providers. The good news is many things can still be done to help reduce the risks of breast cancer. Be sure to get tested regardless of your gender:Oncologists say sometimes men ignore the warning signs of breast cancer for too long, and that can be deadly. Look for changes during self-exams:Doctors say even though not all lumps end up being cancer, they still need to be evaluated by a health care professional to rule out any problems.
Friends bring businesses to aid needy Bangladeshi people
With that, they began distributing food packs in the impoverished neighborhoods in Dhaka. Eventually, they succeeded in bringing about 120 organizations and business houses under one umbrella for their aid campaign, Mission Save Bangladesh. Kadir spoke with The Associated Press as he and other volunteers visited a cancer hospital in Dhaka to distribute food packs. The group provided food packs to about 13,000 families and another 60,000 individuals. Abdullah Biswas, a father of a cancer patient in a specialized cancer hospital in Dhaka, was happy to get food packs.
Mother urges people to test for colon cancer early to avoid late-stage diagnosis
SAN ANTONIO The death of actor Chadwick Boseman at 43 has many asking questions about colon cancer at an early age. Gloria Riojas was only 35 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Family history always plays a role in cancer, but colon cancer is not always linked to genetics. Vizuete said colon cancer is preventable. Many insurance companies now also begin covering colon cancer testing at 45 years old.
Tributes pour in on social media as world mourns loss of Chadwick Boseman
SAN ANTONIO โ The world has come together to mourn the loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, known for his role in โThe Black Panther,โ among other feature films. Representatives of Boseman confirmed the starโs death on social media, detailing that he was originally diagnosed with the disease in 2016. According to the post, Boseman continued to film landmark movies in between surgeries and chemotherapy. Some of the posts are listed below:Goodbye Chadwick Boseman. my god ... โ๐ฟโฅ๏ธโ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ฟโโ๏ธ forever and ever ... https://t.co/9pORaKZuQN pic.twitter.com/awX3DiTVwn โ Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) August 29, 2020Our hearts are heavy as we join our NBA family in mourning the death of Chadwick Boseman.
My pandemic pregnancy: From infertility to cancer to IVF to a 20-week scare: โIt happened exactly how it was supposed toโ
When Hillary Calhounโs fertility doctor brought her in for a procedure and then a nurse called her just a few short business days later, asking her to come into the office immediately, the now-36-year-old had a hunch something wasnโt right.
UT Health co-authored study shows how cancer patients with COVID-19 react to different treatments
SAN ANTONIO โ A new study co-authored by a UT Health researcher shows how cancer patients with COVID-19 react to different treatments. According to researchers, the study found new evidence of how cancer patients with COVID-19 react to different treatments, analyzing the treatment of almost 2,200 cancer patients with COVID-19. US signs contract with Pfizer for COVID-19 vaccine dosesThe study found that the cancer patientsโ mortality rate was 16%, triple the global average. Dr. Dimpy Shah said patients taking the anti-viral medication Remdesivir had lower mortality rates. However, those taking other drugs engineered to help fight COVID-19 did not.
People with cancer and COVID-19 twice as likely to die, new study says
SAN ANTONIO- Cancer patients who contract COVID-19 are twice as likely to die from it than the average healthy person, according to a new international study, partially led by a team at UT Health San Antonio. Track coronavirus cases by ZIP, age in San Antonio with interactive mapMesa explained several reasons behind the findings. What researchers know is that cancer patients are even more at risk than previously thought. The international study is ongoing. The researchers now have almost 3,000 cases collected and are currently looking at drivers relating to race, ethnicity, cancer type and cancer treatment.
People with cancer and COVID-19 twice as likely to die, new study says
People with cancer and COVID-19 twice as likely to die, new study saysPublished: June 2, 2020, 6:52 pmCancer patients who contract COVID-19 are twice as likely to die from it than the average healthy person, according to a new international study, partially led by a team at UT Health San Antonio.