Study: National HPV Vaccine Program Thwarts Cervical Cancer Deaths


Shot of a young doctor applying a band-aid after injecting her patient during a consultation in the clinic

Cervical cancer continues to harm women across the globe, including Latinas, who are twice as likely to be diagnosed than other women.   The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable.  Along with routine screenings, the HPV vaccine can prevent or minimize the risk of getting the virus that causes cervical cancer.  In fact, a new study out of the UK has discovered that since the introduction of a national program to promote the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer deaths have dropped dramatically.  This study highlights the effectiveness of the vaccine when given at the appropriate age.   Let’s dig into the study findings and what they mean for the future of cervical cancer.  Study Findings  In Cervical cancer mortality trends ...

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Get Free Help from a Nurse to Navigate Blood Cancer Clinical Trials


Mother and daughter smiling while taking a selfie together during lunch, showing support and love during cancer recovery

Blood cancer, which includes lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, is on the rise in the U.S., impacting 1.7 million Americans and accounting for 10% of all new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., according to Blood Cancer United.  With the rise of diagnoses, researchers are scrambling to find ways to tackle blood cancer, but they need help from volunteers for clinical trials.  Clinical trials are studies with volunteers that enable advances that can prevent, slow, manage, and treat diseases like blood cancer. But not everyone has access to clinical trials.  Language hurdles, complex medical jargon, unpredictable costs associated with participation, and lack of access to reliable transportation all keep clinical trials out of reach from those who would ...

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Neil Meade: Fighting Fires and Beating Thyroid Cancer



The blare of firetruck sirens, the glow of buildings ablaze, and the thick smell of smoke are all too familiar for Neil Meade. As a seasoned firefighter in San Antonio, he’s faced many dangers and helped others through life-threatening situations. But nothing could prepare him for a cancer diagnosis. Meade, a devoted family man and veteran of countless emergency calls, suddenly found himself battling a personal, silent, unpredictable opponent — thyroid cancer. A Passion for Serving People Meade, a native of Chicago, moved to San Antonio with his parents, returned to Chicago, but eventually returned to San Antonio and lives here now. He started his service career in the Air Force. “I spent eight years on active duty in the Air Force, and when I got out ... I tested ...

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Dr. Amelie Ramirez Gets $400,000 Komen Grant to Study Therapeutic Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors


Amelie Ramirez - UT Health San Antonio 1

Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, a cancer researcher at the Institute for Health Promotion Research and the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, is receiving a 2-year, $400,000 leadership grant to study cancer survivorship from Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Ramirez aims to enhance recovery for cancer survivors. In a group of Latina breast cancer survivors in South Texas, Ramirez will compare two rehabilitation approaches — standard physical therapy and therapeutic yoga — to see how they impact health-related quality of life, fatigue, and physical function over 16 weeks. Therapeutic yoga involves controlled movement, breath regulation, and meditative practices. "By focusing on the whole person and listening to survivor experiences, we hope ...

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San Antonio Clinical Trial Offers a New Approach to Cancer Treatment


Smile, doctor and senior patient on tablet in office for good news, research and online results of diagnosis. People, digital and healthcare report, insurance checklist and treatment plan and medical

When you hear the words “cancer treatment,” many think of chemotherapy.  The truth is there are many cancer treatments, such as surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and more.   In addition, clinical trials are a treatment option.   Clinical trials are studies with volunteers that enable advances that can slow, manage, and treat diseases such as cancer.   For example, a new clinical trial at UT Health San Antonio is testing a treatment that trains your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells in the same way a vaccine works to protect you from disease.   Let’s explore the new trial.   join the clinical trial How the Clinical Trial’s Cancer Treatment Works  Cancer treatments are designed to kill cancer ...

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5 Important Ways to Celebrate Cancer Survivorship


Cancer Survivorship

May is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate and support those who have gone through a cancer journey! Let’s look at five ways to celebrate, honor, and support cancer survivors. 1. Read about Real Latino Cancer Survivors At Salud America!, we’re inspired by personal stories of cancer survivorship. That is why we showcase amazing Salud Heroes like Marielle Santos McLeod, who survived colon cancer and now champions the patient voice through advocacy work. “It allows me the opportunity not only to be a [patient leader], but to also share the importance of why our [involvement in research] matters,” Santos McLeod said. Read more about these Salud Heroes: Read more about these Salud Heroes: Brittney Millard: Helping Patients and Persevering Through ...

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Arnoldo Rodriguez: Surviving Cancer to Advocate for Better Care in South Texas



Arnoldo Rodriguez prides himself in keeping a professional appearance.   Whether it be in his position as an educator, school administrator, executive, or in educational sales, the McAllen, Texas, resident always dressed to impress.   That’s why Arnoldo knew when he put on a crisp suit and the once-clinging fabric hung loosely at his arms, he knew something wasn’t quite right.   Around this time, he would also get excessively tired despite his penchant for exercise.   Everything pointed in one direction, and his swollen lymph nodes confirmed the worst ¾ he had cancer.  Months of unsuccessful lymphoma treatment led him to participate in a clinical trial and it was that decision that led him on the path to patient leadership.   “The clinical trial was my ...

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Explore Resources for Bladder Cancer Survivors and Caregivers!



May is recognized as Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn about the impact of bladder cancer and spread awareness about bladder cancer resources. The American Cancer Society estimates about 84,530 new cases of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is the fourth-most common cancer in men and 1 of 4 bladder cancer patients are women. Have you or someone in your family recently been diagnosed and aren’t sure where to start?   Check out the following helpful resources from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). 1. Bladder Cancer Support Line (Bilingual)  BCAN’s Bladder Cancer Support Line offers support by connecting patients with professional oncology social workers.   “The call center’s staff will address the emotional, practical and informational ...

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Can E-Cigarettes Increase Cancer Risk?



Nicotine-based vapes, or e-cigarettes, are likely to cause cancers of the lung and oral cavity, according to a new study led by the UK’s University of South Wales. “[Our study] is the most definitive determination that those who vape are at increased risk of cancer compared to those who don’t,” said study leader Bernard Stewart. Let’s dive into what the study results mean for those who vape. E-Cigarettes and Cancer Risk Little attention has focused on whether e-cigarettes might cause cancer on their own. So, study researchers – pharmacists, epidemiologists, thoracic surgeons, and public health experts – examined clinical studies, animal experiments, and laboratory research to understand the chemicals produced by e-cigarettes, according to a news release. They ...

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