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 ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Advancing Environmental Change and Cancer Research Through Latinx Expertise
Dr. Leticia M. Nogueira is Director of Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society. Environmental and cancer care Dr. Nogueira’s presentation focused on the connection between environmental change and cancer, and how expertise from the Latinx population is fundamental for advancing solutions that are relevant to everyone. Environmental change alters the behavior of extreme weather events. Extreme weather events can damage medical infrastructure, break transportation links, ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Breast Cancer in the Young
Dr. Marcela Mazo Canola is Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Mays Cancer Center at University of Texas (UT) Health San Antonio. Epidemiology of young onset breast cancer Dr. Mazo Canola began by discussing the multiple spheres of decision making that young breast cancer patients must face: chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, local therapy, genomics, psychosocial functioning, sexual health and body image, role functioning, and fertility and premature menopause. These represent a ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Advancing the Prevention of HPV and Cervical Cancer
Dr. Ana Patricia Ortiz is lead investigator and interim director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, and associate director of the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center. HPV and cervical cancer Dr. Ortiz began the presentation by explaining that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and persistent infection with certain types of HPV is established as a ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Combating Misinformation About Cancer Prevention on Social Media Among Latino Audiences
Dr. Yonaira M. Rivera is Assistant Professor of Communication at Rutgers School of Communication & Information. Health misinformation on social media Dr. Rivera’s presentation began by discussing health misinformation on social media. In order to address social media-based health misinformation, 5 approaches are needed: enhanced surveillance, understanding psychological drivers, assessing real-world consequences, a focus on vulnerable populations, and the development ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Bridging International and National Latino Research to Serve its Populations
Dr. Mariana Chávez Mac Gregor is Chair ad interim and Professor in the Health Services Research Department and in the Breast Medical Oncology Department at University of Texas MD Anderson, as well as Executive Officer for International Affairs at the SWOG Research Network. Latin American and US Latino populations Dr. Chávez Mac Gregor began the presentation by describing the need to bridge cancer research in the United States and Latin America. According to Global Cancer Statistics, ...
Do you have dense breasts? Half of US women have dense breasts, but many don’t even know it or know how it impacts their breast health. Watch UT Health San Antonio’s webinar on breast density, mammography, “Difference in Density: Why it Matters for Your Breast Health,” at 12 p.m. Central on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This webinar featured experts from the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, a breast cancer survivor with firsthand experience with dense breasts, and a representative from the Susan G. Komen foundation. Together, they discussed how to talk to your doctor about dense breasts and the steps you should take to monitor your breast health following a dense breast diagnosis. With this knowledge, patients can feel empowered to talk to ...
UT San Antonio is shining a light on Alzheimer’s disease with a new research center to study an aging Latino population, the university announced in UT San Antonio Today. Funding for the center, called the San Antonio Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Population Aging and Social Studies (CAPAS), was made available through a grant program from the National Institute on Aging. CAPAS seeks to bridge the gap in Alzheimer’s research by aligning experts in demography, neuropsychology, biology, economics and public health across UT San Antonio’s campuses, including its Health Science Center. UT San Antonio experts will be working alongside experts from other institutes, such as the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative ...
