Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, joined Coastal Living TV in Corpus Christi, Texas, to share how cancer survivors can join the Avanzando Caminos study. Avanzando Caminos is a study that aims to help cancer survivors. The study aims to enroll 1,500 Latino cancer survivors in South Texas and 1,500 more in Miami to help unpack the behavioral, mental, biological, and medical influences on life after cancer. As part of the study, volunteers share their cancer journeys. "So far, the individuals who've participated have been really grateful. They said, 'I've never had a chance to tell my story about what I went through,'" Ramirez said. "It will help us take a deeper look into how we can help our ...
April is recognized as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. This observance was led by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, along with the support of 84 additional organizations, to raise awareness and reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities. “We hope it serves an important reminder to the public that they have the power to take charge of their health with lifestyle changes and routine screenings, because early detection equals better outcomes,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in a previous press release. Let’s dive into what resources are available and how you can speak up for cancer prevention!
Resources for Raising Awareness
One aim of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is to raise awareness by ...
A lot can change in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, especially for a daughter. “When a person gets sick, the whole family gets sick, especially in the Hispanic and Latino community ... It is really a family effort when it comes to going through cancer treatment and a cancer diagnosis,” Britney Ortiz said. Being a research assistant in the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship research study at UT Health San Antonio, Britney Ortiz thought she knew a lot about cancer. But her father's unexpected cancer diagnosis gave her a true understanding of the disease. In a short period of time, Britney went from interviewing survivors about their cancer journey to being a caregiver for a loved one.
A Shocking Cancer Diagnosis
Britney said her father’s ...
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is framing the way for future success in a career in health and science for teens by holding its annual Eye on the Future campaign. Just like 2023 and 2024, the Eye on the Future campaign kicks off with a $2,000 teen video contest. “We created the [contest] because we want to hear from the next generation of scientists (that’s you!) about why science is so important,” according to the NEI website. “And we want to encourage high school students from all backgrounds to learn more about science.” The contest is open until April 20, 2025.
How to Enter the Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest
Interested students in grades 9-12 can enter NEI’s Eye on the Future contest by submitting a 30-second-to-3-minute video showcasing one of three ...
Moving Matters! Did you know that physical activity directly impacts your health? The more work you put into your body, the more you reap the long- and short-term health benefits of exercise. That’s true at any age, but especially in older adults, who experience higher risk for diseases such as heart disease and cancer. One of the most serious diseases many older individuals face is dementia and Alzheimer's, which affects nearly 1 out of every 9 seniors in the US as of 2023, according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. But with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, symptoms have been known to ease and those who haven’t been diagnosed with the disease show a reduced risk for developing it. In fact, a new study published by the Journal ...
The American Cancer Society estimates over 2 million new cancer cases and 600,000 cancer deaths among Latinos and all people in the US in 2025, according to a new report. This makes cancer one of the most prevalent, deadly health issues facing our nation. To respond to the health crisis of cancer in South Texas, the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio is hosting its annual Give Cancer the Boot Survivorship 5K and 1-Mile Walk in celebration of cancer survivors, patients, and their families on April 5, 2025. REGISTER NOW!
Give Cancer the Boot
Not only does the event raise awareness about the impact of cancer on the community, but it also goes to support the Mays Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Assistance Fund. The Patient and Family Assistance Fund ...
Obesity is a critical risk factor for diabetes and cancer. We shared the latest in obesity prevention and management at UT Health San Antonio’s webinar, “Tipping the Scales Toward Health,” at 11 a.m. Central on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The webinar featured experts from the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, the Metropolitan Health District of the City of San Antonio, and Genentech to explore the issue of obesity and related chronic health conditions like diabetes and related cancers that are impacting South Texas. Panelists discussed strategies for obesity management, diabetes management, and promoting a healthy weight. They will also addressed the non-medical drivers of health and share available resources and support for healthy lifestyles and the prevention ...
There is a lot that goes into starting a clinical or population research study. In fact, many of these studies can take years to get off the ground. Not to mention recruiting, which is a task in and of itself. Given the difficulties surrounding the rigorous process ahead of those embarking upon these studies, the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School is providing research study teams with a roadmap for research success. The Nuts and Bolts of Executing a Clinical or Population Research Study is a virtual series that helps lay the groundwork and give researchers the tools to make a positive impact in healthcare. Update: After a successful program, the virtual program is offering more opportunities to make an impact. Check out these upcoming ...
Primary care practices that employ nurse practitioners (NPs) are more likely to serve low-income communities than practices with no NPs on staff, according to researchers from the Columbia University School of Nursing. Dr. Monica O’Reilly-Jacob, assistant professor and study leader, along with her colleagues looked at 79,743 primary care practices across the United States. Of these practices, 53.4% employed NPs in 2023, a large jump from 21% in 2012. Let’s go beyond the surface of these results and explore how it impacts others.
The Importance of Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that as of May 2023, 280,140 organizations employed nurse practitioners (NPs) nationally. According to the researchers, practices with NPs were more likely ...
