Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio

12/22/2025

For nearly 50 years, the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium has been the world’s largest and most influential forum advancing breast cancer research and care. This year’s symposium convened over 11,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, uniting scientists, clinicians and patient advocates to accelerate progress from discovery to patient care.

Mays Cancer Center, in collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research, continues to support the exchange of evidence-based research that advances breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in South Texas and beyond.

Watch the video highlights to see how collaboration and innovation are advancing breast cancer research.

12/19/2025

After a routine colonoscopy, Lorissa Martinez learned she had a large colon polyp that needed to be removed. Two previous attempts were unsuccessful, and she was told she might need surgery, an outcome that left her feeling uncertain and concerned.

Determined to find another option, Lorissa sought care at UT Health San Antonio, where she met with Matheus Franco, MD. Dr. Franco performed a specialized endoscopic procedure that successfully removed the polyp from her colon without the need for surgery.

Hear Lorissa’s story and learn more about our advanced endoscopic care:
https://bit.ly/49DmzVV

12/17/2025

Peripheral neuropathy—nerve damage that affects feeling and movement in your hands and feet—is a common side effect of some chemotherapy treatments and conditions like diabetes. Tingling, numbness or burning sensations can make daily activities more challenging, and changes in foot sensation may increase your risk for injury.

If you’re managing neuropathy or other foot concerns during or after cancer treatment, these four steps can help protect your mobility and prevent complications.

If you begin to experience any pain or numbness in your feet, contact your care team. Learn more about our podiatry services: https://bit.ly/48XxLKV

12/16/2025

Once considered a disease of aging, colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults. New findings show rising rates in people under 50, who are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages.

UT Health San Antonio researchers are studying why colon cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers are increasing in younger adults and how earlier screening and advanced endoscopic care can improve outcomes. Learn more:
https://bit.ly/3Yz9Lsw

12/12/2025

While breast cancer can affect anyone, there are certain lifestyle risk factors that increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These include:

-- Being overweight or obese
-- Excessive alcohol consumption
-- Not being physically active

Understanding these risk factors and managing your lifestyle can help decrease your risk of developing breast cancer and have a positive impact on your physical health. Learn more about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and treatment: https://bit.ly/4q5x1dA

12/11/2025

Meet Prabhleen Chahal, MD, MASGE, FACG, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Chahal is a nationally recognized expert in advanced endoscopy with a focus on interventional endoscopic ultrasound and ERCP.

She has published more than 150 scientific papers, contributed to the development of GI and advanced endoscopy training curricula, and is widely regarded as a leader in medical education. Throughout her career, she has mentored more than 40 trainees, many of whom now serve in national gastroenterology leadership roles.

In 2025, Dr. Chahal was honored by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as a Master Endoscopist, one of the field’s highest distinctions.

We’re proud to have Dr. Chahal leading our GI program and advancing care for patients across South Texas.

12/10/2025

Check out Texas Public Radio's interview with Elizabeth Wasmuth, PhD, a structural biologist and assistant professor at UT Health San Antonio. She discusses the protein molecules that influence prostate cancer and how understanding them could drive new treatment breakthroughs.

Listen to the full episode: https://news.uthscsa.edu/listen-to-texas-public-radios-science-medicine/

12/08/2025

We’re building something extraordinary: the future of medicine. Every new treatment and every breakthrough therapy begins with research — and that research is a massive puzzle.

Dr. Georgios Fotopoulos, a thoracic oncologist and early phase clinical trial expert at Mays Cancer Center, explains: “When you participate in a clinical trial, you’re an essential building block in developing a solution that can change your life and others. Your contribution helps us fit the pieces together, creating the foundation for tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs.”

Learn more:

Stories You are the essential piece: Building the future of health through clinical trials December 3, 2025 Have you ever thought about how new medicines are discovered? The process is often imagined as a single, sudden 'aha!' moment. It's much more lik...

12/05/2025

Meet Matheus Franco, MD, PhD, MS, MBA, an advanced endoscopist with the Mays Cancer Center and the director of endoscopy at UT Health San Antonio’s Multispecialty and Research Hospital.

Dr. Franco’s expertise has strengthened and expanded our Advanced Interventional Gastroenterology program, especially in gastrointestinal oncology, complex benign GI conditions and endoscopic bariatric procedures.

12/04/2025

Maintaining proper nutrition during cancer treatment can be challenging when side effects like dry mouth, nausea or loss of appetite make eating difficult. High-calorie shakes can help patients get necessary nutrients in a form that’s easier to enjoy.

Explore these simple, nourishing shake recipes designed to support strength and recovery during treatment. Which one will you try?

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4asfA2b

12/01/2025

Join us Dec. 4 as we partner with LUNGevity for a Lung Cancer Lunch and Learn event, where experts will share the latest research, treatment advances and strategies for living well with lung cancer.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Register today! https://bit.ly/4ioQ3Ji

11/28/2025

How are you conquering cancer?

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, friend or physician, your story matters. By sharing your experience, you can inspire hope and strength for others on their journey.

Share your story: https://bit.ly/3Y7nzZ9