Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio

12/05/2025

Meet Matheus Franco, MD, PhD, MS, MBA, an advanced endoscopist with the Mays Cancer Center and the director of endoscopy at UT Health San Antonio’s Multispecialty and Research Hospital.

Dr. Franco’s expertise has strengthened and expanded our Advanced Interventional Gastroenterology program, especially in gastrointestinal oncology, complex benign GI conditions and endoscopic bariatric procedures.

12/04/2025

Maintaining proper nutrition during cancer treatment can be challenging when side effects like dry mouth, nausea or loss of appetite make eating difficult. High-calorie shakes can help patients get necessary nutrients in a form that’s easier to enjoy.

Explore these simple, nourishing shake recipes designed to support strength and recovery during treatment. Which one will you try?

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4asfA2b

12/01/2025

Join us Dec. 4 as we partner with LUNGevity for a Lung Cancer Lunch and Learn event, where experts will share the latest research, treatment advances and strategies for living well with lung cancer.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Register today! https://bit.ly/4ioQ3Ji

11/28/2025

How are you conquering cancer?

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, friend or physician, your story matters. By sharing your experience, you can inspire hope and strength for others on their journey.

Share your story: https://bit.ly/3Y7nzZ9

11/26/2025

To***co smoking, especially a long history of heavy use, is strongly associated with lung cancer. However, individuals with no history of to***co use can also develop the disease due to factors such as radon exposure, secondhand smoke, occupational exposures or inherited risk. This risk-assessment tool may help you better understand your individual risk: https://bit.ly/481a4lF

11/25/2025

Matheus Franco, MD, an advanced endoscopist at Mays Cancer Center, was interviewed on KCWX TV's River City News to discuss gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer. Hear his insights on recent treatment advancements, warning signs and key risk factors:

RIVER CITY NEWS: WEEKDAYS 7A-8A & 11A-12N on KCWX2 San Antonio📺 Catch more coverage and updates on River City News! 📧 News Tips? Email: newsdesk@kcwx.com...

11/24/2025

Congratulations to UT Health San Antonio’s School of Dentistry researchers who have been awarded three multi-year grants totaling $6 million from the National Institutes of Health. These grants will support efforts to improve treatment and pain management for oral cancer, including work to prevent deadly oral squamous cell carcinoma and develop new approaches to treat oral mucositis, the severe inflammation and ulcers that can occur in the mouth during radiotherapy.

Learn more:

School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio awarded $6 million total to study treatment, pain management for oral cancer

11/21/2025

Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming while undergoing cancer treatment. Our oncology dietitians recommend focusing on small, simple meals instead of a full holiday plate.

If you are opting for smaller, frequent meals, try to pair a protein with a carbohydrate for each serving (like a sweet potato mash bowl with shredded chicken).

For a little more flavor or to help moisten foods (especially helpful for dry mouth), consider adding gravies to your dishes if tolerated.

It’s OK if your plate looks different this year. Eating what nourishes your body is what matters most. 💛

11/20/2025

Join thousands of people today as we take part in the Great American Smokeout! The third Thursday in November is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of smoking and supporting those who are ready to quit. Together, we can promote healthier, smoke-free lives. Learn more about our free Quitxt program and how it can help you quit smoking: https://bit.ly/4rbYbRi

11/20/2025

Some gastrointestinal and liver conditions can increase the risk for cancer or affect how the digestive system functions over time. UT Health San Antonio’s advanced endoscopic specialists use state-of-the-art technology to detect, diagnose and treat these complex conditions early. These innovations improve accuracy, reduce recovery times and expand treatment options for patients close to home.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4oNrdFf

11/17/2025

Many types of tests are used to screen for and detect cancer. Some of the most common include:

▪️ Biopsies — A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue or cells so a pathologist can check for cancer.

▪️ Tumor markers — Tumor markers are substances found in blood, urine or tissue that may be produced by cancer or by the body in response to cancer. Their presence or higher-than-normal levels can help indicate cancer, although they are usually used along with other tests.

▪️ Imaging tests — Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, create pictures of the inside of the body to help detect abnormal areas that may be cancer.

Learn more about different types of cancer tests and how they are used: https://bit.ly/4nVx3Dc

11/14/2025

Pancreatic cancer can cause a wide range of symptoms, from digestive issues to bile duct blockages, that require prompt and specialized care. Advanced endoscopic procedures are playing a growing role in diagnosing pancreatic disease and managing these symptoms with less invasive techniques.

At UT Health San Antonio, our Advanced Interventional Gastroenterology specialists use state-of-the-art endoscopic tools to evaluate the pancreas, obtain tissue samples, relieve obstructions and place stents when necessary. These techniques help control symptoms, improve comfort, and support the broader cancer treatment plan, all while reducing risk and shortening recovery time.

Learn more about AIG and our endoscopic procedures:
https://bit.ly/49DmzVV