Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio

11/12/2025

When your care journey feels like a conversation with a friend, Milton M. reflects on the compassion and determination shown by Dr. Christien Kluwe and reminds us of the power of exceptional care.

Does a caregiver or care team come to mind? We’d love to hear your story! https://bit.ly/4knoVK4

11/11/2025

Clinical trials help researchers study new cancer treatments and improve care for patients. At Mays Cancer Center, we conduct hundreds of trials to test new treatments. Each trial follows a series of phases designed to answer specific questions about safety, effectiveness and long-term outcomes.

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

11/10/2025

At 72, Gertrude Garteiser faced a deeply personal choice after her mastectomy. She chose to rebuild, partnering with our expert, Dr. Oriana Haran, a double fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Mays Cancer Center.

Their connection led to a successful, life-changing procedure: the highly specialized, muscle-sparing SIEA flap surgery. This complex operation was a major milestone—the first breast reconstruction surgery performed at the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital.

Read Gertrude's story to see how our multidisciplinary team delivers personalized, expert care to our patients:

A two-time cancer survivor becomes the first breast reconstruction patient at UT Health San Antonio’s new Multispecialty and Research Hospital, finding healing and confidence through expert surgical care.

11/06/2025

For patients diagnosed with lung cancer, understanding the role of cardiothoracic surgery is an important step in care. Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in procedures involving the heart, lungs and chest, making them the most qualified experts to perform lung surgery.

Thanks to advances in minimally invasive and robotic techniques, many patients experience smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and reduced recovery times. Most can return to their daily activities within just a few weeks.

Learn more about cardiothoracic surgery and the expert team at Mays Cancer Center.

Stories What lung cancer patients need to know about cardiothoracic surgery November 21, 2024 Co-authored by: Jason M. Gauthier, MD and Daniel DeArmond, MDCardiothoracic surgery is a sophisticated specialty that involves a range of conditions, from congenital heart defects to advanced coronary arter...

11/05/2025

Meet Derek Rodriguez, a senior clinical research scientist at the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio. At age 8, Derek was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects muscle tissue. His experience inspired him to dedicate his life to studying cancer and advocating for cancer survivorship.

Read his inspiring story: https://salud-america.org/dr-derek-rodriguez-using-a-personal-cancer-journey-to-inspire-others-to-share-theirs/

11/05/2025

At the Mays Cancer Center, we’re advancing how gastrointestinal cancers are treated in South Texas.

Using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), specialists can remove certain early-stage colorectal cancers without open surgery, offering a less invasive approach and reducing recovery time.

Learn more: https://news.uthscsa.edu/innovative-endoscopic-procedure-offers-new-option-for-colorectal-patients/

11/04/2025

There is no single test or method that works best for diagnosing all cancers. Each person is different, and different types of cancer can cause a wide range of symptoms.

Imaging tests give doctors detailed pictures of the inside of your body. They can help find tumors or other changes, show how advanced the disease is and track how well treatment is working. Imaging is also often used to guide biopsies and surgical procedures.

Here are some common imaging tests that may be used to help diagnose cancer: https://uthscsa.staywellhealthlibrary.com/Conditions/Cancer/85,p07178

11/03/2025

Diabetes and cancer are more closely connected than many realize. In South Texas, higher rates of obesity and diabetes contribute to conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can damage the liver over time and increase the risk of liver cancer.

Are you at risk? This brief assessment can help you understand your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes: https://uthscsa.staywellhealthlibrary.com/InteractiveTools/RiskAssessments/42,Type2DiabetesRisk

11/02/2025

10/30/2025

UT Health San Antonio's Mays Cancer Center is hosting the Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations Conference from Feb 18-20, 2026. Gain perspective on cancer health issues and help us make a change!

Register:

Thank you for your interest in attending the 2026 Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations Conference! Your presence is important in helping us bridge the gap of cancer research in Latinos.Registration Rates

10/29/2025

Martha says her health has always been the top priority for her care team at Mays Cancer Center. She felt fully supported, knowing she could contact them any time by message or phone.

If she could speak to her newly diagnosed self, her message would be simple: “Don’t worry.” She wants others to know that research is advancing every day, bringing new treatments and more hope than ever before.

Hear how Mays Cancer Center changed everything for Martha.

10/27/2025

Being a caregiver to someone with cancer is a unique challenge. Sometimes, you might ask yourself, “How can I show up consistently and be the support system they need?”

In our new video, Katherine Cermin, DNP, associate director of Cancer Survivorship, offers advice for caregivers and family members on how to maintain a consistent presence, what to do if you've ghosted someone and practical ways to create a more supportive environment for your loved one.

Watch the video below, and click the link to read more about cancer ghosting: https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/news-and-stories/cancer-ghosting