Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio

02/11/2026

Meet Linda Mota, a champion for cancer prevention and research. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to receive intensive treatment and was declared cancer-free in June 2023. She credits seeking care early with helping her begin treatment in time and encourages women to schedule regular screenings and mammograms and to prioritize their health.

Watch the video to learn more about Linda’s story: https://bit.ly/3WmuJtM

Linda Mota shares her story of breast cancer survivorship during a global pandemic and how she came to be a participant of the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Lat...

02/09/2026

At any age, it’s important to understand the risk factors that can increase your chance of developing stomach cancer. These include:

-- Smoking or using to***co
-- Alcohol use, especially in excess
-- Being overweight
-- A diet low in fruits, vegetables, fiber and other key nutrients

Some inherited or genetic conditions can also raise your risk. If you have lifestyle or genetic risk factors or concerns about your GI health, talk with your doctor.

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

02/06/2026

The American Cancer Society has recently updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines that reflect advances in detection and accessibility.

What's changed?

-- Women at average risk should begin screening at age 25 and undergo primary HPV testing every five years through age 65.
-- If primary HPV testing is not available, individuals ages 25–65 may be screened with HPV and Pap co-testing every five years or with a Pap test alone every three years.
-- For primary HPV testing, clinician-collected cervical samples are preferred, but self-collected vaginal samples are an acceptable option. If a self-collected sample is HPV negative, repeat testing in three years is recommended.

To learn more, view the full guidelines here: https://pressroom.cancer.org/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines-2025

02/05/2026

Prevention remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. At Mays Cancer Center, we emphasize that many cancer prevention strategies also support cardiovascular health. Research shows that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, to***co cessation and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of both heart disease and certain cancers.

Swipe through and learn practical, evidence-informed steps individuals can take to lower risk and improve long-term health outcomes.

02/04/2026

No two cancer journeys are the same. At Mays Cancer Center, we treat people as individuals — supported by research, prevention and education. By taking steps like regular screenings, each of us can help build healthier communities across San Antonio and South Texas.

02/03/2026

You may have heard the term theranostics when reading about cancer treatments, but what does it mean? The word theranostics combines “therapy” and “diagnostics.” This approach uses radioisotopes to first image a patient’s tumor and then deliver targeted treatment to those same cancer cells, allowing care teams to treat cancer with greater precision and often fewer side effects.

Learn more about theranostics: https://bit.ly/4r7gfeQ

02/03/2026

The upcoming Mays Cancer Center Research Symposium brings together leading scientists, clinicians, trainees and community partners to share research advancing cancer treatment and prevention.

Cancer research drives progress in early detection, targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. The symposium fosters collaboration, highlights emerging discoveries and supports the next generation of cancer researchers — all essential to advancing cancer care. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4sPDNGy

01/30/2026

This week, UT Health San Antonio partnered with UTSA Athletics to support the annual National Association of Basketball (NABC) Coaches vs. Cancer game, an initiative that raises awareness and resources for those affected by cancer.

During the game, Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio physicians Lei Zheng, MD, Ramon Cancino, MD, Cynthia Cantu, MD and Jessica Treviño Jones, MD, were recognized on court for their work in cancer care, research and prevention and were presented with a commemorative UTSA jersey. Dr. Cancino also presented the ceremonial tip-off game ball.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the NABC that mobilizes coaches, athletes and fans to advance cancer awareness, research and patient services.

01/28/2026

One of the biggest risk factors for esophageal cancer is Barrett’s esophagus. This condition can develop after years of frequent heartburn, when the lining of the esophagus begins to change.

Certain factors, such as long-term reflux, weight-related health issues and regular alcohol use, may increase the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus. Everyone’s risk is different, and symptoms can be easily missed.

At UT Health San Antonio, our Advanced Interventional Gastroenterology team treats Barrett’s esophagus with the goal of catching changes early to prevent cancer.

Learn more:
https://bit.ly/4tlo7v4

01/22/2026

When you donate blood at the hospital, your generosity stays right here—helping patients in your own community. Every drop you give directly supports those receiving care at UT Health San Antonio.

01/21/2026

Join us for our virtual webinar: Difference in Density: Why it Matters for Your Breast Health, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Experts from UT Health San Antonio’s Mays Cancer Center and a breast cancer survivor will share insights on breast density, mammograms and breast cancer, including what a dense breast diagnosis means and how to talk with your doctor about next steps for your breast health.

Learn more and register now: https://bit.ly/3LYtiA2

01/16/2026

Rajat Garg, MD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at UT Health San Antonio and serves as program director for the Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship.

Dr. Garg specializes in advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for diagnosing and treating complex digestive conditions, including pancreatic and biliary disorders.

He recently performed an innovative radiofrequency ablation procedure for pancreatic cancer, using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach designed to target tumors while preserving surrounding tissue.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LH5XCN