How Do Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns Impact Cancer Prevention?


Couple cooking meal together.

Dietary and lifestyle patterns can impact your cancer risk, according to a new report from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). The report, Dietary and lifestyle patterns for cancer prevention: evidence and recommendations from CUP Global, lists recommendations for dietary and lifestyle patterns for cancer prevention. The list has considerations for breast and colorectal cancer, the second- and third-most-common cancers worldwide. Recommendations include: For overall cancer prevention, follow a healthy dietary pattern, aim to be physically active, maintain a healthy body weight and avoid smoking. In such a dietary pattern, prioritize fruit, vegetables, and fiber-containing foods. For colorectal cancer prevention, ...

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In the News: San Antonio Firefighters Cancer Prevention Program


San Antonio Firefighters Cancer Prevention Program Firefighter Tour at MCC 4-17-25 1

The new San Antonio Firefighters Cancer Prevention Program aims to better understand and reduce the cancer burden among local firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, thanks to the partnership of the San Antonio Fire Department, UT Health San Antonio, and Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative at the University of Miami. The program, launched in April 2025, is gaining media coverage: Firefighter with cancer praises new research partnerships between SAFD and cancer center, KSAT-12 TV New UT Health program aims to prevent cancer in San Antonio firefighters, Texas Public Radio UT Health Science Center leading research into cancer rates among firefighters, Spectrum News Héroes sin capa y entre llamas: la lucha silenciosa de los bomberos, KVDA-TV ...

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez Helps Study of Quality of Life During Immunotherapy Treatment


immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been a game-changer in oncology. Tumors often have proteins on them that tell your immune system not to attack. Checkpoint inhibitors, which work by blocking these proteins so your immune system continues to fight the tumor, have provided new options for many people with advanced or metastatic cancer who were left with limited options. Patricia Moreno, Ph.D., lead of Evidence-Based Survivorship Supportive Care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, points out that these new drugs come with unique side effects that experts still need to understand better. The National Cancer Institute has awarded Dr. Moreno, a member of Sylvester’s Cancer Control Program, and co-investigators Jose ...

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez Named to Susan G. Komen Scientific Advisory Board


Amelie-Ramirez-of-UT-Health-San-Antonio Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez Susan G. Komen Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, was named to Susan G. Komen's Scientific Advisory Board. Komen's 10-member Scientific Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and direction for its research and scientific programs. It also plays a key role in guiding and prioritizing Komen’s global research investment and serves as the executive committee of the Komen Scholars. Dr. Ramirez's appointment is effective April 1, 2025. “I am honored to serve on Susan G. Komen's Scientific Advisory Board. I look forward to being a part of Komen’s extensive activities to address breast cancer and the non-medical drivers of health among people of all backgrounds," Ramirez said. Dr. Ramirez & Her Health ...

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Big Drop in Routine Cancer Screenings, Survey Shows


Cancer Screening

Getting routine screenings and medical appointments can help prevent cancer, or catch it at earlier, more treatable stages. However, only 51% of U.S. adults age 21 and older say they have had a routine medical appointment or routine cancer screening in the last year, according to the 2025 Early Detection Survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. This number is a 10%-point drop compared to the 2024 Early Detection Survey. “While the precise reason for the change remains unclear, top reasons survey participants cited for falling behind on their routine cancer screenings center on [incorrect information or confusion],” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Let’s look into the survey and learn more about how this impacts families and communities. Reasons for a Lack ...

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‘San Antonio Firefighters Cancer Prevention Program’ Launches at UT Health San Antonio


To help reduce the cancer risk among firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, SAFD, UT Health San Antonio, and Sylvester’s Firefighter Cancer Initiative at the University of Miami have partnered to launch the San Antonio Firefighters Cancer Prevention Program.

Cancer is a big concern for firefighters in San Antonio. Firefighting is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Occupational cancer has become the leading cause of death among firefighters. Studies have shown that firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population. Within the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD), more than 70 firefighters have been diagnosed with cancer in the past 10 years, including leukemia to multiple myeloma and cancers of the brain, thyroid, colon, prostate, and testicles. Many cases also go unreported. To help reduce the cancer risk among firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, SAFD, UT Health ...

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez Is Helping Cancer Survivors Tell Their Stories



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 ...

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Explore Resources for National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month



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 ...

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Britney Ortiz: From Research Assistant to Colorectal Cancer Caregiver



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 ...

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