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Texas Oncology celebrates the courage of all patients fighting cancer, the loved ones caring for them, and the healthcare teams that have shown unrelenting commitment to providing care during COVID-19.

Cancer patients and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to viruses, like COVID-19. Make safety a priority this season with these considerations for cancer patients and their loved ones.

Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages and remain the single most important tool for prevention and early detection, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heather King, M.D., FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Texas Breast Specialists–Austin, and Susan Escudier, M.D., FACP, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Houston Medical Center, share key factors women should know before cancelling their mammogram.

Amy Woods, a Texas Oncology patient diagnosed with breast cancer last year with no family history of the disease, advises other women, especially young women, to advocate for themselves and their health concerns. Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, breast surgical oncologist at Texas Breast Specialists–Georgetown, urges women to do their due diligence by conducting monthly self-exams and paying attention to unusual changes to their breasts.

Times may change, but the importance of breast cancer care remains the same. Know how to decipher truth from myth about breast cancer care during COVID-19.

Allison DiPasquale, M.D., of Texas Breast Specialists was featured on KERA discussing delayed and canceled mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. DiPasquale explained the improved safety standards for undergoing mammograms amid COVID-19 and encouraged patients to keep their annual screening appointments.

Breast cancer patient Karen Clements is often described as resilient, having faced adversity supporting her family members through health challenges while managing her own treatment. She credits her Texas Oncology team, including Allison Gorrebeeck, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin North Suite 300, Caroline Coombs-Skiles, M.D., FACS, breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists–Austin Downtown, and Carl E. Nuesch, M.D., FACRO, FACR, radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin North Radiation Oncology and Austin Central, for their coordinated and comprehensive care during her cancer journey.

Mammograms are the most reliable way to identify cancer early, often before there are symptoms. Don’t let COVID-19 deter you from prioritizing your health. Here are three things to consider before you cancel your mammogram.

Breast cancer patient Pam Cooper has made it an annual tradition to get her mammogram with her best friend and regularly conducts self-exams. By taking preventative steps, her breast cancer was detected at an early stage. Pam was treated by Courtney Yau, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Georgetown, and Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, breast surgical oncologist at Texas Breast Specialists–Georgetown, who commend Pam for being proactive about her health.

Julie Sprunt, M.D., FACS, fellowship trained breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists–Austin, discusses cancer care decision-making during COVID-19, including assessing the best treatment, follow-up, and maintenance strategy for each patient.