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Tidings of comfort and joy can take on a different meaning during the holidays as a cancer patient. With so much focus needed to manage your diagnosis and the effects of cancer and treatment, it may be hard or even impossible to maintain some of your family’s beloved holiday traditions. Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, Srinath Sundararajan, M.D., FACP, Texas Oncology–Katy, Bellville and Sealy, and Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, Texas Breast Specialists–Cedar Park and Georgetown share how to talk about the holidays with your children and tips for parenting with cancer this holiday season.

While most cancer happens by chance, about five to ten percent of cases are hereditary. These cases may be passed down to the next generation, causing a higher risk of cancer. Jeni Watson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, at Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center shares how genetic testing for breast cancer can help you take steps toward early detection and prevention.

Other than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way to combat breast cancer. Learn about the signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of getting screened annually to reduce the risk of a late-state breast cancer diagnosis.

With one in eight women developing breast cancer in her lifetime, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way for women to combat breast cancer. Learn about the signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of getting screened annually to reduce the risk of a late-state breast cancer diagnosis.

Each person has a unique set of preferences and concerns related to the physical changes associated with surgery for breast cancer. Allison DiPasquale, M.D., Texas Breast Specialists–Medical City Dallas explains that patients should evaluate which surgical procedures are right for them based on their own priorities and goals and address any questions or concerns with their physician.

Texas Oncology agrees with leading infectious disease experts that all people should be vaccinated against COVID-19, including cancer patients. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot reduces individual risk and slows the spread of the virus.

In addition to being a valuable source of information, support groups can help resolve feelings of isolation and loneliness. Stephanie Broussard, MSSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, director of palliative care and social work at Texas Oncology explains how support groups can make an impactful difference in patients’ lives.

Join us in welcoming Cinthya Lowder, M.D., to Texas Breast Specialists–Kingwood and The Woodlands. Read more about Dr. Lowder’s personalized and collaborative approach to cancer care.

CHEK2 serves the body as a tumor suppressor, but when it's mutated, it can be linked to numerous cancers, including breast cancer. Alison Barron, M.D., FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Texas Breast Specialists–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and Carrollton explains why she's seeing more patients with this variant. Emily Przybyla, Texas Oncology patient and former employee, shares that knowing she has the CHEK2 variant has made her more vigilant about cancer screenings.

The path from routine screening to suspected cancer to confirmed diagnosis usually is the shorter part of a longer cancer journey. Jennifer Hecht, D.O., FACOS, breast surgeon, Texas Breast Specialists–Granbury and Southwest Fort Worth, explains that better understanding of these preliminary steps can help set you on the right course for a successful cancer fight.