Dr. Rebecca Jones, assistant director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio, shared important community engagement strategies at the 2026 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference on March 9, 2026, in Atlanta. The event brought together National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center data experts, geospatial statisticians, and representatives from government and industry to address emerging topics in cancer prevention and control analytics. Jones was part of a panel that explored how to use catchment-area data to improve access and outcomes. "Panelists discussed how data inform their choices, focusing on the importance of community engagement for understanding where barriers exist and how access can be improved. Listening sessions ...
Marielle Santos McLeod thought she knew a lot about cancer care. Years as a health professional had given her time to learn about cancer care and gain a closer look at the challenges Latinos face in getting treatment. That’s why, when the mother of four was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 36, she was shocked by just how little she really knew. However, it was enduring the disease as a young Latina that guided her toward her life's purpose – serving as a patient health leader to uplift the voice of Latino cancer survivors. “I love advocacy .... It's like one of the things that I'm convinced that I was put on this earth to do. I just had to get cancer to get to it first,” Santos McLeod said. Update 03/16/2026: After the initial publication of her story ...
In South Texas, risk is high for liver cancer, cervical cancer, and pediatric leukemia. To pave way for responsive research, the Creando Conexiones: Creating a Patient Centered Cancer Health Research Agenda in South Texas (Creando Conexiones) project aimed to outline patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (PC-CER) priorities and topics identified by South Texas cancer survivors, caregivers, and stakeholders affected by these cancers. The result is the Creando Conexiones: Cancer-Related Health Outcomes Research Agenda. Let's explore the agenda.
Developing the Creando Conexiones Research Agenda
Dr. Rebecca Jones of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio launched the Creando Conexiones program with a $250,000 from the ...
March is recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. In Bexar County, more than half (57%) of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at a late stage, higher than many other Texas counties. Additionally, we see colorectal cancer mortality rates also surpassing Texas averages, along with significant issues in late-stage diagnosis among Latino populations. With this in mind, Salud America! and Precinct 1 Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores joined forces to spread awareness when it comes to colon cancer and inform the South Texas community about importance of early detection and prevention. The episode is hosted by Rebecca Jones, PhD, an assistant Professor at the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Jones is a researcher who focuses on colon ...
It’s often said that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the person that has cancer, it affects the entire family. That’s especially true in today’s landscape when cancer is starting to affect younger people in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s. The people being diagnosed with cancer today often have young children. In a lifetime, one in 20 kids will experience a parent’s cancer diagnosis before they graduate high school, according to the Pickles Group. These young children often struggle to comprehend cancer and how it might change a family dynamic. Not only do lifestyles change, so do increasing thoughts of mortality and the fear of losing a parent to the disease. The experience of having a parent with cancer can be extremely difficult ...
About 80,450 new cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. men and women in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. The month of March is recognized as Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, educate, and promote helpful tools to help people learn more about kidney cancer. With this in mind, let’s look at four free, easy-to-use resources to use and share during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer is a disease where cells in the kidney grow out of control, according to the CDC. The main types of kidney cancer include renal cell cancer (RCC), transitional cell cancer (TCC), and Wilms tumor. “RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. It forms in the lining of the tiny tubes in the kidney that ...
Did you know that as you get older your immune system weakens? This can increase your risk of illness resulting in hospitalization and diseases like cancer. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on your vaccinations once you hit a certain age. For instance, at age of 50 it’s recommended you get a pneumococcal vaccine to protect you against serious infections leading to worse health outcomes and even death. To spread the word about the importance of getting the pneumococcal vaccine, Salud America! is partnering with CVEEP. CVEEP is a leading vaccine education platform that seeks to improve vaccine accessibility and spread vaccine awareness with helpful resources, including a vaccination site locator tool. Let’s go over the vaccine and how it ...
Cancer remains a large health threat in South Texas and beyond. To improve cancer understanding and outcomes, Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of Salud America! and UT Health San Antonio hosted the 5th biennial Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations drew over 300 researchers, doctors, leaders, and students for an open dialogue on cancer. Discussion covered new studies in clinical best practices, treatments, effective community interventions, advocacy, policy, and professional training in cancer research. "We still have work to do, but I am excited and proud to charge into the future with such a passionate group of people for ...
To spur solutions that improve cancer care in South Texas and across the United States, UT Health San Antonio and its Mays Cancer Center are hosting the 5th biennial Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations conference on Feb. 18-20, 2026, at the Plaza San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations is expected to draw over 300 researchers, doctors, community leaders, and survivors for an open dialogue on the latest cancer research and how to improve cancer outcomes for all people. Media is invited to attend. “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations is where we gather to share timely research from every stage of the cancer continuum to improve genetic studies, clinical best practices, and community ...
