Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio

09/05/2025

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer, and early detection of symptoms is key.

Noticing signs such as ongoing pain, unusual fatigue, changes in skin color or unexplained weight loss can improve early detection and lead to better outcomes. At UT Health San Antonio Mays Cancer Center, our pediatric oncology specialists provide advanced care in partnership with University Health, including innovative therapies and clinical trials.

💛 This month, we honor children and families affected by cancer and remain committed to giving every child the best chance for a healthy future.

Learn more about pediatric cancer care: https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/cancer-care/programs/pediatric-oncology

09/03/2025

There are many parts to a patient’s healing journey, and you can play a lifesaving role. Blood donations are often essential after major surgeries, helping patients heal faster and lowering the risk of complications. Donating to the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the only way to ensure your blood donation goes to our patients.

Make an appointment to donate blood today: uthealthsahospital.org/blood-donor-center

09/02/2025

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers often go unnoticed until they are advanced, which is why awareness is so important.

Noticing symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding—and talking to your doctor, can improve early detection, when treatment may be more effective. Our gynecologic oncology team provides expert care, including surgery, chemotherapy and clinical trials for eligible patients.

Learn more about gynecologic cancers and how we treat them: https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/cancer-care/programs/gynecologic-oncology

08/29/2025

Join us for a free 30-minute wellness class on Wednesday, Sept. 3. This session uses gentle, flowing movements to help you build strength, improve balance, and feel more at ease.

Our instructors will guide you through each step and offer modifications so the class works for every level of experience.

No registration required—just drop in and take a break with us.

Learn more: https://events.uthscsa.edu/event/mays-cancer-center-wellness-class-2735

08/29/2025

Andrew Brenner, MD, PhD, professor and chair of neuro-oncology, was featured on KSAT News' The Conversation to discuss glioblastoma, including symptoms, treatment options and the results of a promising clinical trial underway at Mays Cancer Center.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/08/05/the-conversation-mays-cancer-center-recruiting-glioblastoma-patients-for-trial/

08/27/2025

🧴☀️ Know your ABCDEs: A simple way to check your skin for signs of cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but early detection saves lives. The ABCDE rule can help you spot changes worth sharing with your doctor:

- Asymmetry
- Border
- Color
- Diameter
- Evolving

Watch this quick video from our Valerie Shiu, MD, Mohs surgeon with Mays Cancer Center, to learn how to use the ABCDEs during your self-checks: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hgqNPp2zVHY

08/26/2025

For some men with prostate cancer, radiation treatment can be completed in fewer than five sessions with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) at Mays Cancer Center, compared to more than 40 sessions with traditional therapy.

This approach may reduce overall treatment time and lower the likelihood of certain side effects, helping patients return to their daily lives sooner.

Learn more:

Get leading radiation therapy expertise close to home. We use stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to treat common and complex cancers with extreme precision.

08/25/2025

The term "chemo brain" is used to describe the changes in memory, thinking and focus that patients sometimes see during and after cancer treatment. If you find yourself having symptoms like trouble remembering names, difficulty memorizing details like dates and events, or focusing on tasks, here are some remedies you can try:

- Use planning notebooks or other reminders
- Stay active and get a healthy amount of exercise
- Make sure you're getting enough sleep and rest
- Set up and follow routines

With these strategies, you can help fight chemo brain and heal more effectively.

Learn more: https://uthscsa.staywellhealthlibrary.com/Search/34,23825-1

08/22/2025

Throat cancer can affect the voice box, vocal cords, tonsils or the back of the throat — areas vital for speaking, breathing and swallowing.

At Mays Cancer Center, our head and neck oncology team provides advanced, personalized care that may include minimally invasive techniques such as transoral robotic surgery (TORS), performed at our new hospital with leading-edge technology. This approach allows surgeons to remove tumors through the mouth without external incisions, which may help reduce pain, shorten recovery time and lower the risk of complications.

Our specialists also offer targeted therapies, radiation and chemotherapy when additional therapies are needed. With support from speech therapists, nutritionists and a dedicated care team, we focus on both effective treatment and quality of life during and after care.

Learn more: https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/cancer-care/treatments/trans-oral-robotic-surgery-tors

08/21/2025

No matter what your age, it's important to be aware of which cancer screenings you should schedule—and some start earlier than you think. Learn more about various cancer screening guidelines and what you should know about cancer prevention: https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/cancer-care/screenings-diagnosis

08/20/2025

At Mays Cancer Center, we treat all types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. While treatments such as chemotherapy and medications are available at many cancer centers, our patients benefit from the added advantage of receiving care at South Texas’s only NCI-designated Cancer Center.

That means access to clinical trials that may not be widely available, advanced therapies guided by leading hematology oncology specialists and subspecialists, and comprehensive support services designed to care for the whole patient. With the expansion of our cancer-focused hospital, we’ve enhanced treatment spaces and technology to ensure patients receive a higher level of coordinated, compassionate care close to home.

Learn more: https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/cancer-care/programs/blood-cancer

08/19/2025

Cancer treatment can cause mouth sores, gum cuts, bleeding and soreness. If you see small ulcers on the gums or tongue, dryness or pain when eating hot or cold foods, more oral mucus or saliva than usual, or heartburn or indigestion, these can be signs of mouth sores. There are many types of treatment you can use at home. These include:

- Drink at least 8 cups of fluid per day as recommended by your care team
- Use a mouthwash or rinse approved by your care team
- Practice healthy flossing and brushing habits
- Keep your lips moist with a mild lip balm or cocoa butter

Always let your care team know of any new side effects you experience during cancer treatment, including mouth sores.

Learn more: https://uthscsa.staywellhealthlibrary.com/Search/34,16104