Thornton Pavilion

03/14/2026

Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer, but earlier detection could dramatically change outcomes.

Diane Simeone, MD, director of the Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, explains that shifting diagnosis to earlier stages could raise survival from 13% to more than 80% for certain patients. Today, many people are diagnosed after the disease has already advanced, when treatment options are more limited. Identifying pancreatic cancer earlier could give more patients a chance at curative treatment.

Diane Simeone, MD, explained that shifting diagnosis toward earlier stages could raise the pancreatic cancer survival rate from 13% to over 80% for certain patients.

03/13/2026

In celebration of Read Across America Day, parents and care teams read to the tiniest patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health. 📚

The NICU’s “Wee Reads” program highlights the benefits of reading to infants. Each baby received a new book while families learned how hearing a parent’s voice can support early brain development and strengthen bonding.

Programs like this help parents build simple, meaningful routines they can continue long after their baby leaves the hospital.

health.ucsd.edu/nicu

03/13/2026

A new chapter of care for our smallest patients and their families. 💙

We recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of the NICU Follow-Up and Early Development Clinic at UC San Diego Health, a program dedicated to supporting babies after they leave the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and helping them reach their developmental milestones. The clinic provides specialized evaluations and care for infants and toddlers who may be at higher risk for developmental delays after time in the NICU.

“In some ways, once a baby is discharged from the NICU, that's when the family’s journey begins," said Carolyn Sawyer, MD, clinic medical director. "It's an honor to be there to support our families through their child’s first years of development.”

health.ucsd.edu/care/primary-care/pediatrics/high-risk-infant/

03/11/2026

Hormonal birth control is one of the most studied and widely used medications in the world, yet misinformation about its safety and effects continues to spread online.

Karen Greiner, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist and complex family planning fellow at UC San Diego Health and UC San Diego School of Medicine, shares the science, addresses common myths and explains why accurate information matters for patients making decisions about their reproductive health.

Our patients are asking to be heard.

03/11/2026

From San Diego to the world stage. ⚾

Kenneth Taylor, MD, primary care physician and sports medicine specialist at UC San Diego Health, has been selected as the Major League Baseball physician representative for the World Baseball Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Chosen from hundreds of MLB physicians, Dr. Taylor is helping care for elite athletes competing on the international stage. It is a unique opportunity that reflects the expertise and dedication of our physicians and the impact they make both locally and globally.

From professional athletes to patients across our community, we are proud to deliver major league care for all.

health.ucsd.edu

03/09/2026

Join us for the Second Annual Kidney Cancer Patient Summit on March 28, a day dedicated to learning, connection and hope.

Patients, caregivers and families are invited to engage with leading kidney cancer specialists, hear the latest updates in research and treatment and connect with others who understand the journey. Whether you're newly diagnosed, currently in treatment or years into survivorship, this supportive community event ensures every voice and experience is valued.

The summit includes interactive expert sessions, meaningful networking opportunities and a full-day program with breakfast, lunch and refreshments provided. Complimentary registration is available for patients and care partners.

Register today to learn about the latest advances in kidney cancer care and connect with a community that understands: moorescancercenter.ucsd.edu/outreach/kidney-cancer-patient-summit.html

03/07/2026

A cancer diagnosis can bring many uncertainties, including questions about future fertility. Advances in care are helping more patients preserve their options and plan for the future.

Hear from H. Irene Su, MD, reproductive endocrinologist at UC San Diego Health, on how fertility preservation methods such as egg, embryo and s***m freezing are improving, and why experts recommend discussing fertility at the time of diagnosis and throughout survivorship.

Learn how the outlook for fertility preservation for patients with cancer is improving. ⬇️

Each year in the United States, about 90,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs), ages 15 to 39, are diagnosed with cancer,1 and they are immediately faced with myriad challenges and disruptions in th...

03/06/2026

Blood in the stool. Persistent abdominal pain. Unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms don’t always mean colorectal cancer but they shouldn’t be ignored.

Samir Gupta, MD, gastroenterologist at UC San Diego Health and a nationally recognized expert in colorectal cancer screening and prevention, explains five warning signs to watch for and why screening starting at age 45 matters.

Know the early warning signs of colorectal cancer, when to get screened starting at 45, and why early detection can save lives.

03/05/2026

Innovation takes flight every day at UC San Diego Health, where we are advancing care for our region. ✈️

Our presence throughout San Diego International Airport reflects the same commitment we bring to our patients every day, guiding every health journey with innovation, expertise and compassion. No matter where life takes you, exceptional care is always part of the destination.

health.ucsd.edu

03/04/2026

March is full of ways to connect, learn and feel supported. 💙

The Patient & Family Support Services calendar at UC San Diego Health is packed with free support groups, wellness classes and educational workshops for cancer patients and caregivers.

The calendar also features disease-specific and caregiver support groups that create space for connection and shared experiences. Patients and families can participate in Mind & Body Wellness classes, including community exercise programs, and attend treatment education workshops designed to provide practical tools and trusted information throughout the cancer journey. Both in-person and virtual options are available.

https://health.ucsd.edu/care/cancer/support-services/support-groups-classes-workshops/

03/04/2026

Meet Anh Nguyen, the San Diego woman who became UC San Diego Health’s first double living organ donor, giving a kidney to a friend and later part of her liver to a child in need.

🎥 Watch this CBS 8 San Diego interview to hear her incredible story of courage, compassion and life-saving generosity.

Looking to give or receive a second chance at life? Our expert surgeons at the UC San Diego Health Center for Transplantation have been performing successful heart, kidney, liver, lung and multi-organ transplants since 1968, including living donor kidney and liver transplants. With survival rates above the national average, we’re here to guide patients and donors every step of the way: health.ucsd.edu/transplant

Anh Nguyen made history as UCSD Health's first double living organ donor. Dive into her inspiring journey of saving two lives — one a friend, the other a stranger.

03/02/2026

“Please go get tested.” That’s the powerful message from prostate cancer survivor Jerry McCormick, and a vital reminder from Rana McKay, MD, medical oncologist at UC San Diego Health, about the importance of early screening for Black men.

Prostate cancer affects Black men at higher rates, but it’s highly treatable when caught early. Starting conversations and getting screened could save lives.

“Please Go Get Tested”: Prostate Cancer Survivor, Jerry McCormick, urges Black men 45 years and older to get screened as soon as possible, because early detection could save their life.