MD Anderson Cancer Center

“For MD Anderson’s patients, this means that surgery will be more accessible, safer and will use the most cutting-edge technologies to their fullest benefit," says our Dr. Jeff Siewerdsen of surgery advances aided by data science.

Advancing cancer surgery through data science When Jeff Siewerdsen, Ph.D., joined MD Anderson last year, he finally got the opportunity to work more closely with clinical teams to make advances that would benefit patients and clinicians in the operating room.

"These fears are often exacerbated by the stress of the cancer diagnosis," says our Dr. Erica Taylor of phobias common during cancer treatment.

Learn her strategies for managing them.

Phobias and cancer treatment: What to know Phobias can make cancer treatment even more challenging for patients. Ahead, psychiatrist Erica Taylor, M.D., shares advice for those struggling with treatment-related phobias such as claustrophobia or trypanophobia.

“We’ve expanded our research efforts with CAR NK cell therapy to include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, renal cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and even certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and systemic sclerosis,” says our Dr. Katy Rezvani.

Learn more.

CAR NK cell therapy now an experimental treatment option for multiple cancers Through clinical research led by our Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D., CAR NK cell therapy has now become an experimental treatment option for multiple cancers . Learn how this experimental type of immunotherapy works and what’s next.

Learn from our Dr. Clinton Yam about the diagnosis and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, and about research and clinical trials available at MD Anderson.

Triple-negative breast cancer: 7 things you should know Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive type of breast cancer that can be hard to treat and often comes back. Breast medical oncologist Clinton Yam, M.D., shares more about this disease, including how research is advancing treatment.

“Know the prostate cancer warning signs and stay on top of your PSA screenings, especially if you have a family history,” says survivor Keith Burchfield. “Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.”

Prostate cancer survivor grateful for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) When Keith Burchfield was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, he came to MD Anderson to explore the top treatment options available. Here’s how stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) helped him become cancer-free after five treatments.

A cancer diagnosis and certain treatments, like chemotherapy, can weaken the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections. This can put cancer patients at increased risk for sepsis.

Here, our Dr. Imrana Malik shares symptoms to watch for and steps you can take to help prevent sepsis.

Sepsis: 4 things for cancer patients to know Sepsis is a serious condition where the immune system's response to infection harms the body's tissues and organs. Cancer patients are especially vulnerable, as treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system. Learn the signs and symptoms of sepsis and how to take preventative measures.

Risk factors for lip cancer include:

- excessive sun exposure

- smoking and to***co use

- heavy alcohol use

Learn about lip cancer symptoms and treatment from our Dr. Carol Lewis.

9 things to know about lip cancer Lip cancer can develop on the inside or outside of the lip. Head and neck surgeon Carol Lewis, M.D., shares more about lip cancer, including risk factors, symptoms to look out for and how we try to preserve mouth function after treatment.

“I’m so grateful for MD Anderson. I trust my doctors completely,” says survivor JoAnne Holly.

Read her story.

Stage III bile duct cancer survivor: ‘I can’t imagine being anywhere but MD Anderson’ JoAnne Holly faced a bile duct cancer diagnosis with strength and faith. Here, she shares why she’s thankful for seeking treatment at MD Anderson and why she’ll never go anywhere else for cancer care.

If your spidey senses are tingling, it's probably because our youngest cancer-fighting heroes got a visit from some super friends. Thanks to everyone who made today super fun.

Most lung cancers are detected at later stages when they’re harder to treat. MD Anderson researchers are looking for ways to use immunotherapy to prevent them altogether.

Learn about this and other innovative ways are researchers are using immunotherapy.

Innovative directions in immunotherapy research Researchers are doing lots of innovative things with immunotherapy, from preventing cancer to treating rare cancer types to making cancer treatments more effective. We spoke with three MD Anderson researchers who are presenting their out-of-the-box immunotherapy research at the 2024 European Society...

"When patients are considering less conventional approaches to health care — especially cancer treatment — it’s critical that they be safe and evidence-based," says our Dr. Gabriel Lopez.

3 myths you shouldn’t believe about integrative medicine Are alternative medicine and integrative medicine just different terms for the same thing? Supportive care specialist Gabriel Lopez, M.D., dispels this myth and two others you shouldn’t believe about integrative medicine.

"A lot of people will say, 'I know I have dense breasts because it feels lumpy to me.' That was actually not accurate. We can only know if your breast tissue is dense by the definition used by professionals based on how it photographs on a mammogram," says our Dr. Toma Omofoye.

Mammogram patients will soon have to be told about their breast density. Here's what to know. The FDA's updated regulation for notifying patients of dense breast tissue after mammograms begins this week.

"Whole grains are full of fiber, vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your body. The less processed the grain, the healthier it is for you," says wellness dietitian Lindsey Wohlford.

5 things to know about grains Whole grains can help reduce your risk for cancer, but what's the difference between whole grains and refined grains? We talked to dietitian Lindsey Wohlford to get the details on whole grains and how they are good for you.

MD Anderson is monitoring a tropical system developing in the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters expect the storm will turn into Tropical Storm Francine, with landfall on Wednesday in Louisiana.

MD Anderson plans to remain open for operations and patient appointments at all locations in the Houston area. Patients traveling from Louisiana or states along the Gulf Coast should stay weather aware and monitor forecasts and travel conditions. Schedule changes may be requested through MyChart.

Employees should monitor institutional updates and their local weather forecast.

"What you consider helpful advice might be construed as unwelcome meddling," says social work counselor Helen Wu.

Get her advice on supporting adult children with cancer.

Caring for adult children with cancer: 4 tips for parents What do you do when your adult child receives a cancer diagnosis? What’s the best way to support them at age 25, 35 or even older? We checked in with social work counselor Helen Wu for advice. Here are four tips she shared.

To***co use, exercise, diet and age are just a few of the factors that can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Our Dr. Jason Willis shares more.

What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in the colon or the re**um. Gastrointestinal medical oncologist Jason Willis, M.D., Ph.D., shares risk factors for colorectal cancer and what you can do to lower your risk.

Pets can be a great source of comfort when you're facing cancer. But there are a few things pet owners should keep in mind, says our Dr. Ajit Bisen.

8 do’s and don’ts for pet owners during cancer treatment Pets can offer many physical and emotional benefits to cancer patients, but there are steps that should be taken to ensure the health of patients during cancer treatment. We spoke with breast medical oncologist Ajit Bisen, M.D., to learn more.

“Emails or phone calls can be spoofed to confuse the recipient into divulging information. So, it is important to verify the source of requests for your personal, financial, or health information, and learn how to identify fraud attempts,” says senior information security analyst Joanne Ashland.

How cancer patients can avoid identity theft Cancer patients are often among the most vulnerable targets for identity theft and scams. Here’s how to protect yourself.

What are ovarian cysts? How are they treated?

And, do they increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer?

Our Dr. Travis Sims shares insights.

Ovarian cysts and cancer: Is there a connection? What are ovarian cysts? How are they treated? And, do they ever increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer? We spoke with gynecologic oncologist Travis Sims, M.D., to answer these questions and more. 

Bone marrow biopsies help diagnose blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. They can also help determine a cancer’s stage.

Learn what to expect if you need a bone marrow biopsy.

Bone marrow biopsy explained: Process, pain management and results A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure that helps diagnose cancer and other medical conditions in your blood and bone marrow. Leukemia specialist Michael Andreeff, M.D., Ph.D., shares what to expect during a bone marrow biopsy.

"My goal as a nurse is to celebrate every milestone and moment, big or small," says our Regina Dela Cruz. Read her story.

Colorectal cancer nurse inspired by patients every day As an inpatient nurse on MD Anderson’s Gastrointestinal Colorectal Surgical Unit, Regina Dela Cruz plays many roles while learning from her teammates.

Myxoid liposarcoma is a rare cancer that accounts for about 30% to 40% of liposarcoma cases.

Here, our Dr. Neeta Somaiah explains its symptoms and why early diagnosis is important.

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Tampons from reputable manufacturers are generally very safe when used properly, says our Dr. Andrea Milbourne.

Learn about the results of a recent study of heavy metals in some brands of tampons and get tips for using a tampon safely.

Are tampons safe? A recent study found that some tampons contain heavy metals. Does this mean you should reevaluate your feminine care products? Gynecologist Andrea Milbourne, M.D., shares her thoughts.

“Make sure you follow up with your doctor on the next steps and try to keep things in perspective. If you have HPV, there’s a very good chance it won’t be a long-term problem for you," says our Dr. Lois Ramondetta.

I have HPV. Now what? A positive HPV test can be a surprise, but knowing the facts can give you relief. Four out of five people will get it at some point.

Learn about the symptoms of renal medullary cancer, a rare and aggressive kidney cancer, and why patients from around the world turn to MD Anderson for treatment.

Renal medullary carcinoma: 5 things to know about this rare and aggressive kidney cancer Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare and extremely aggressive kidney cancer, most frequently found among young Black men who carry the sickle cell trait. But do you have to carry that mutation to develop the disease? Medical oncologist and kidney cancer specialist Pavlos Msaouel, M.D., Ph.D., weighs....

Here's how to treat a sunburn and what you should know about reversing sun damage from our dermatologist Dr. Saira George.

What happens when you get a sunburn Dermatologist Saira George, M.D., explains what happens to your skin when you get a sunburn and how to treat it.

This Labor Day, we recognize the hard work and dedication of all of our MD Anderson employees, including those working during the holiday weekend.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better head coach in this tough battle. She went above and beyond in answering my questions and in making sure I was able to digest the details about chemotherapy, radiation and medication," says survivor Chris Cook of our Dr. Ashley Aaroe.

Glioblastoma survivor: ‘MD Anderson is a blessing’ A run led Chris Cook to a glioblastoma diagnosis. Today, he’s grateful he came to MD Anderson for treatment and is back enjoying the activities he loves.

“Any time you can learn more about potential health challenges from blood relatives, it may benefit you,” says our Dr. Therese Bevers. “But even if you can’t, don’t worry. Only 5% to 10% of cancers are due to a genetic predisposition. The vast majority are not.”

Adoption and cancer risk: Should you get genetic testing? How can you assess and reduce your cancer risk if you’re adopted? Should you get genetic testing? Therese Bevers, M.D., weighs in.

"Hold on to hope. It’s out there," says Steven Adami, a pancreatic cancer survivor. Read his story.

Pancreatic cancer survivor: I’m glad I took a chance on a Whipple procedure Pancreatic cancer survivor Steven Adami was afraid to have a Whipple procedure after hearing stories of a grandparent who’d had his stomach removed in the early days of cancer treatment. But he took a leap of faith at MD Anderson and remains cancer-free six years later.