Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death for Latinos and all people in the US. But thanks to modern medicine, which includes cancer screenings, prevention techniques, and treatments, the number of cancer survivors is on the rise. Researchers are constantly working on new ways to mitigate and manage cancer and symptoms. However, some of these can come from unlikely places. For instance, researchers have found a link between the COVID-19 vaccine and the cancer immune system, according to a new publication in the journal Nature. Let’s go over the findings and what they mean for cancer patients.
Research Findings on COVID-19 Vaccine and Cancer
The discovery was made when researchers were developing mRNA vaccines for brain tumor patients back in ...
On a late October night, Linda Mota woke with a start. While her mind should have been consumed with choosing a family Halloween costume, her thoughts were elsewhere. “I was laying down and something inside of me told me, check your side,” she said. What Linda felt wasn’t overwhelming, but it was clear there was a small lump there, resembling the shape of a little ball. She initially dismissed what she found, but her intuition continued to scream at her that something was amiss. “Something inside of me told me, ‘No. you need to get checked, you need to get checked,’” she told herself. It turned out she had breast cancer.
Linda Mota and Her Startling Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in the ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and cancer health researcher at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, will receive the 2025 Sedgwick Memorial Medal for Distinguished Service in Public Health from the American Public Health Association (APHA). The award recognizes Ramirez's work in public health, which spans more than 30 years, and is a powerful testament to the legacy of the late Dr. Sedgwick. Ramirez and other APHA awards will be honored Monday, Nov. 3, 2026, during APHA’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo. "We celebrate the accomplishments and commitment of [Dr. Ramirez and] these outstanding public health leaders," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, APHA leader, in a statement. "Their contributions have helped strengthen the field and provide inspiration as we ...
For seniors and other immunocompromised individuals, the best way to protect against severe effects from COVID-19 is to stay up-to-date with the CDC's vaccine recommendations and available treatments. But antivirals are underused. That's why our friends at CVEEP have resources to help protect against infectious respiratory diseases across the lifespan. CVEEP recently featured Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and cancer health researcher at the Mays Cancer Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, in a radio campaign for early treatment. The campaign, in English and Spanish, aired on 899 stations and generated 45.2 million impressions. "Please don't wait. Early treatment [of respiratory illnesses] makes a big difference," ...
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. It gives dough its stretch and helps baked goods rise. Many common foods contain gluten, including bread, beer, pasta, and cereal. So, why is “gluten-free” become so popular these days? For millions of people, gluten is a medical issue. Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies require strict gluten-free diets. “When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine,” according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. In addition, gluten sensitivity causes symptoms when gluten is eaten. However, it doesn’t cause the antibodies and intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Additionally, ...
Cancer death rates have dropped 34% over the past three decades, saving the lives of more than 4.5 million people. And it’s all thanks to cancer research. Research is the foundation of critical public health efforts, including prevention, screenings, and advancements in cancer treatment, according to the latest progress report on cancer from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Every year the AACR puts out its progress report to discuss the latest achievements in research while keeping a watchful eye on the future, including the need for ongoing scientific research to one day eradicate cancer. Here are 7 key takeaways from the report and how it will impact the future of cancer research.
1. The Number of Survivors is Projected to Rise
Between ...
Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), is hosting a free Spanish-language event in San Antonio to educate and empower those in the community to learn about cancer types that affect Latinos. The event, “Aprendiendo Sobre Los Cánceres Que Afectan a Los Latinos y Cómo Enfrentarlos,” is set for 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Paesanos Lincoln Heights, located at 555 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, TX 78209. Dinner is free! Registration is required. REGISTER FOR THE EVENT!
About the Event on Latino Cancer Latinos are a dynamic, rising population. But cancer threatens the future health of Latinos and the entire U.S. population. The Spanish-language cancer event in San Antonio will cover topics about: ...
What do we know about cancer trends in Latino communities? Find answers in the new episode of the Cancer Health podcast from the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. The episode, "Cancer Trends in Latino Communities," features Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and cancer health researcher at the Mays Cancer Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, Ysabel Duron from The Latino Cancer Institute, and Gladys Arias from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Washington. Together, they discuss cancer trends impacting communities in Washington, California, and Texas. They cover liver, cervical, pediatric leukemia, and more. Listen online, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast ...
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month when we celebrate the milestones and achievements of Hispanic and Latinos. Some of those individuals overcame countless hurdles, such as health issues, societal unfairness, and mistreatment to carve out a better path for future generations. One of the ways we honor the past is to preserve the future. Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors can honor those who came before them by paving the way for future survivors by joining the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study at UT Health San Antonio. JOIN AVANZANDO CAMINOS!
What Is the Avanzando Caminos Study?
The Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship Study takes a deeper look at some of the factors that survivors experience that may influence long-term ...
