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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 advocate 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 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 cancer ...

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Study: 5 More Minutes of Increased Physical Activity Can Lower Dementia Risk


Senior couple jogging in the summer park

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 ...

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Webinar: Tipping the Scales Toward Health


Obesity webinar square image 4-23-25 2

Obesity is a critical risk factor for diabetes and cancer. Find out 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 will feature 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 will discuss strategies for obesity management, diabetes management, and promoting a healthy weight. They will also address the non-medical drivers of health and share available resources and support for healthy lifestyles and the ...

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Get Down to the Nuts and Bolts of Clinical and Population Research Studies


Busy latin female worker working on laptop thinking analyzing online data.

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.   About the ‘Nuts and Bolts’ Program  The series consists of one-hour discussion forums spanning several topics aligned with running a ...

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4 Tasty Resources to Share During National Nutrition Month®



March is recognized as National Nutrition Month.® During this time, folks can prioritize better nutrition and take advantage of many resources that can help improve the health and nutrition of all families. Let’s dive deeper into resources that can be helpful to you and your families in achieving the best nutrition possible. 1. ‘Food Connects Us’ from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created National Nutrition Month® in 1973. With this year’s theme of “Food Connects Us,” the Academy’s annual campaign encourages people to make informed food choices and develop strong eating and physical activity habits. “Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access can all impact our relationship with food. While these factors ...

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Check Out the 15th Annual Frontiers of Translational Science Research Day


15th Annual Frontiers of Translational Science Research Day

The Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science (IIMS) at UT Health San Antonio is announcing its 15th Annual Frontiers of Translational Science Research Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.   In celebration, the institute is calling for abstracts for posters from researchers that demonstrate the power of translational science, which is the process of using research to develop interventions.  Translational science aims to improve health and improve disease outcomes.  These abstracts can either highlight translational research that has already been completed or ongoing research projects.  Selected projects will be invited to be part of a poster session on the day of the event.  APPLY HERE! Participant Guidelines for Translational Science Research  The deadline ...

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Share Your Cancer Story in Our San Antonio Cancer Survivorship Study!


Avanzando Caminos KSAT

Cancer continues to be a top cause of death among Latinos, only second to heart disease.  Given the prevalence of cancer in Hispanic/Latino communities, the need for cancer interventions in heavily Hispanic/Latino areas like San Antonio is vital.  That’s one of the reasons that UT Health San Antonio is one of two study sites for the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study — a one-of-a-kind study that aims to unpack the social, cultural, behavioral, mental, biological, and medical influences on post-cancer life.  Since 2021, the study team has diligently been collecting the stories of hundreds of cancer survivors in the South Texas area in hopes of identifying ways to help improve Hispanic/Latino cancer outcomes.  But there’s still more work to be ...

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3 Important Studies on How Cancer Affects Latinos and All People


Mature scientist leading a lab research

Cancer continues to be a top cause of death for those living in the US, including Latinos, who suffer disproportionate rates of certain cancer types, are diagnosed at later stages, and are more likely to die from the disease.   This is because many Latinos and other people of color are face living disparities that impact their access to healthcare, education, quality affordable housing, and more.  These factors can establish what kind of healthcare and treatments someone can get.  That’s why researchers choose to keep studying the intersection between race/ethnicity and healthcare so that science and medicine can improve cancer outcomes for these individuals and everyone.   Here are three cancer studies that focus on racial/ethnic disparities and cancer.   1. ...

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