MD Anderson Cancer Center

Stage III colon cancer survivor grateful for MD Anderson’s expertise When Tommy Allen came to MD Anderson for locally advanced stage III colon cancer treatment, he was so weak he could barely walk. With unwavering support from his wife, complete trust in his care team and a strong will to live, Tommy is now cancer-free. Here’s his story.

After a challenging colorectal cancer diagnosis and a long road to MD Anderson, Tommy Allen is cancer-free.

Why he loves sharing his story of hope: spr.ly/633247Wbwy #OncSky #EndCancer

Inflammatory breast cancer survivor names son after MD Anderson Pregnant at 27 and facing inflammatory breast cancer, Savannah found hope and expert care at MD Anderson and named her son Anderson in its honor.

“I truly believe my son saved my life,” says Savannah Curry. “I probably had the cancer before I got pregnant, but if it weren’t for him, I might not have found it so early.”

Read her story about her care at MD Anderson that she says made it all possible: spr.ly/633227oT72

Young adult breast cancer survivor: Why I joined a clinical trial at MD Anderson Elisabeth Ponder didn’t expect to be offered a clinical trial before starting treatment for triple-negative breast cancer at MD Anderson. But once she joined one, she understood how it could benefit both her and future patients.

"I thought that clinical trials were something you did only when you ran out of other options," recalls Elisabeth Ponder. "But after talking it over with Dr. Yam, I changed my mind."

How a clinical trial made her breast cancer treatment shorter: spr.ly/633257cvp9 #OncSky #EndCancer

What men need to know about HPV-related throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) HPV-related throat cancer is on the rise, and patients are usually non-smoking, older, white heterosexual males. Neil Gross, M.D., shares symptoms to look for, treatment options and how to protect yourself.

"Some people exposed to chickenpox will develop shingles later in life," says Dr. Neil Gross. "Similarly, a fraction of people exposed to HPV will develop oropharyngeal cancer."

Learn more: spr.ly/633237cvpL #OncSky #EndCancer

How much protein do I need? A dietitian answers Are you getting enough protein? A dietitian explains how to calculate your protein needs and tips for meeting your daily protein requirements.

A focus on high-protein diets has taken over social media lately and may have you wondering if you're getting enough.

Dietitian Joy Anderson breaks it down: spr.ly/6332375C91 #OncSky #EndCancer

Cancerwise Podcast MD Anderson's Cancerwise podcast features insights from our experts on cancer diagnosis and treatment, research breakthroughs, and prevention, as well as stories from survivors and caregivers who've faced cancer firsthand.

Facing cancer as a patient or caregiver during the holiday season can come with mixed emotions, like gratitude and stress.

In this Cancerwise podcast episode, social work counselors Traci Newsom and Malory Lee share tips for coping: spr.ly/60177iaBf #EndCancer

Olfactory neuroblastoma didn’t stop this survivor from achieving his goals After an olfactory neuroblastoma diagnosis, Justin Masse sought out the best doctors he could find for treatment. Here, he shares why he came to MD Anderson and what motivated him to set new goals after treatment.

When Justin Masse was diagnosed with a skull base tumor, he sought out MD Anderson's experts to help guide his treatment.

Now, the young dad is back to participating in powerlifting competitions and spending time with his family. Read his story: spr.ly/633287cvVs #OncSky #EndCancer

Metaplastic breast cancer survivor grateful for immunotherapy combination clinical trial Alejandra Cintora González was shocked when she was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer at age 41. Here she shares how receiving treatment on a clinical trial at MD Anderson helped get rid of the cancer and get her back to enjoying time with her family.

“This gives me the chance to be with my son longer – hopefully many more years,” says Alejandra Cintora Gonzalez of the immunotherapy treatment she received during breast cancer treatment.

Why she chose MD Anderson for this cutting-edge option: spr.ly/633297ilt1 #OncSky #EndCancer

Vibration plates: Are there health benefits? Can standing on a vibrating platform really have health benefits? MD Anderson experts share their thoughts and tips to consider before adding new fitness devices to your routine.

Have you heard the buzz?

Users of vibration plates tout many health benefits, but which are backed by science? Our experts explain: spr.ly/6332779KZJ #OncSky #EndCancer

Study uncovers hidden class of BRCA1 mutations and a potential way to target them Study uncovers hidden class of BRCA1 mutations and a potential way to target them

An MD Anderson study uncovered a hidden class of BRCA1 mutations and identified a new role for HSP90.

Research found that HSP90 buffers BRCA1 mutations, masking their negative effects and delaying breast cancer onset. Learn more: spr.ly/601579kcz #OncSky #EndCancer

3 pieces of advice from a 5-time oral cancer survivor Alex Harrison has survived five separate oral cancer diagnoses since 2002. Here, he shares his top three pieces of advice to other cancer patients.

Alex Harrison says there are three things he's learned since his very first cancer diagnosis more than 20 years ago. Here, he shares what he thinks other cancer patients should know: spr.ly/6332475Cna #OncSky #EndCancer

Exercise during cancer treatment: 5 things to know For years, people believed that patients being treated for cancer should rest and take it easy. But research has shown that exercise during cancer treatment can help patients manage side effects, recover faster and even live longer. Here's what to know about exercise during cancer treatment and how to build an exercise routine of your own.

Recent research has given us a clearer picture of how physical activity can benefit patients in active treatment. Spoiler alert: it’s good news!

Learn more from our Dr. Karen Basen-Engquist: spr.ly/6332575Cjv #OncSky #EndCancer

How to get genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk Genetic testing detects changes in your genes that increase your risk for cancer. Find out who needs genetic testing, what to expect and how to understand results.

Genetic testing is really a family affair. Your test results may predict family members’ cancer risks, too.

Genetic counselor Catherine Skefos shares more: spr.ly/633297ewpL #OncSky #EndCancer

Boot Walk starting line

Person writing "I give cancer the boot for my parents"

Diesel with Boot Walk participants

West Houston Wranglers walk with sign

Thanks to the 11,000 people who joined MD Anderson’s Boot Walk to End Cancer here in Houston and around the world. You helped make this our biggest Boot Walk ever!

Together, we’ve raised $2 million and counting. You can still donate here: spr.ly/633237bfV9. #EndCancer

Traces of bacteria inside brain tumors may affect tumor behavior Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered unexpected traces of bacteria within brain tumors. This discovery offers new insights into the environment in which brain tumors grow and sets the stage for future studies seeking to improve treatment outcomes.

Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered traces of bacteria within brain tumors, which provides insights into the tumor microenvironment and has the potential for future studies seeking to improve treatment outcomes.

Read more: spr.ly/633207ZWkM #OncSky #EndCancer

Colleen with her dog in her lap

Nine years ago, Colleen Wittoesch was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma in her brain. Today, she is cancer-free, thanks to an immunotherapy clinical trial only possible here at MD Anderson.

Read her story: spr.ly/633287kDWn #EndCancer

Purple graphic that reads Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer

Today, we launched Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer, celebrating the innovations and advancements that are only possible here at MD Anderson.

Read more: spr.ly/633277nfhb #EndCancer

John Tesh in front of piano

After being told he had 18 months to live, John Tesh turned to MD Anderson for care and hope.

Read how our prostate cancer experts helped him keep making music and memories: spr.ly/633277n6SL #EndCancer

Military experiences prepare paramedic for MD Anderson role During high school, Elizabeth Anderson witnessed paramedics respond to a fellow student in distress. “The way they handled that situation calmly, they were very effective,” she says. “And that's where it started.” After serving her community as a paramedic, she joined the Air Force National Guard, and eventually landed at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she serves as a paramedic and supervisor. Learn more about careers at MD Anderson: http://spr.ly/633297pAwL Request an appointment at MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: http://spr.ly/633207pAw0

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Elizabeth Anderson values structure and being part of a bigger community.

On this #VeteransDay, we honor Elizabeth Anderson and all of our other veteran employees for their service and sacrifice. spr.ly/633217pAwF #EndCancer

Food scanner apps: What to know Is scanning foods’ barcodes the cheat code to a healthy diet? Wellness Dietitian Lindsey Wohlford explains how food scanner apps work and the pros and cons of using them to make nutrition decisions.

Food scanner apps use a variety of methods to assess how healthy different foods are. These methods can vary widely from app to app.

Dietitian Lindsey Wohldford shares some common ways these apps may grade foods and what to keep in mind: spr.ly/633267TZSE #EndCancer

Triple-negative breast cancer survivor: MD Anderson inspired me to resume triathlons An injury and a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis led to a more sedentary lifestyle for Mickey Miller. But a program called Active Living After Cancer at MD Anderson got the former athlete moving again.

"You can do more than think you can," says Mickey Miller.

Read how MD Anderson's Active Living After Cancer program got the triathlete moving again after her breast cancer treatment: spr.ly/633227PtxC #OncSky #EndCancer

Surprising Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer, According to Dermatologists Sunscreen is a strong defense—but there's more you can do.

Aside from increasing your skin cancer risk, how else might sun damage impact your skin and what can you do to prevent it? Dr. Susan Chon explains: spr.ly/633267Pt4K #OncSky #EndCancer

MD Anderson experts spotlight key immunotherapy advances at 2025 SITC Annual Meeting As immunotherapy continues to transform cancer care, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are sharing new insights at the 2025 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting about how the immune system can be trained, guided and strengthened to improve patient outcomes. MD Anderson scientists and clinicians will present nearly 30 abstracts and lectures at this year's meeting. Below is a selection of key questions that will be addressed in oral abstracts and presentations.

Our researchers will share insights at #SITC25 about how the immune system can be trained, guided and strengthened to improve patient outcomes.

More about the nearly 30 abstracts and lectures presented at this year’s meeting: spr.ly/60147PkXy #SITC25 #EndCancer

8 ways to say, ‘Don’t smoke around me’ Even limited exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful. But asking a stranger, or even a friend or family member, not so smoke around you can be awkward. Our readers have some tips for asking others to protect your health by not smoking around you.

Did you know that secondhand smoke can make cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, less effective?

Get inspired by some strategies for asking a smoker to snuff out from Dr. Maher Karam-Hage and MD Anderson's online community: spr.ly/633237OBxt #OncSky #EndCancer

Anal cancer vs. hemorrhoids: How to know the difference Everyone is born with hemorrhoids. But when they become enlarged, they can cause symptoms that mimic anal cancer symptoms. Colon and rectal surgeon Craig Messick M.D., explains how the two conditions differ and when to see a doctor for symptoms.

Don't assume anal bleeding always means you have benign hemorrhoids.

Dr. Craig Messick shares when to see a doctor about symptoms: spr.ly/633267MUrw #OncSky #EndCancer

What to know about saffron Saffron is an herb that is used in cooking and traditional medicine. Here’s what experts say about its health benefits and if it’s safe to take as a supplement.

Saffron contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, and can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

It sounds like a win-win. Our dietitian Elizabeth Chin and Dr. Meroë Morse share potential risks and what to know about saffron supplements: spr.ly/633287zpgg #OncSky #EndCancer

Treatment nurse navigator supports patients through cancer care At MD Anderson, nurse navigators like Anh Huynh play a critical role in advocating for and supporting cancer patients throughout their care.

As a treatment nurse navigator at MD Anderson, Anh Huynh focuses on helping cancer patients during their cancer care.

Read why she got into this unique role and what she finds most rewarding: spr.ly/633297K1FJ #OncSky #EndCancer

Photo of a crowd at the Boot Walk to End Cancer

Have you registered yet for MD Anderson's Boot Walk to End Cancer?

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 15 to help give cancer the boot, in person or virtually. Learn more: spr.ly/633277HEgl

A test tube reads, "Hepatitis B - Test"

While the symptoms of hepatitis B aren’t always obvious, there is a simple way to screen for it, a vaccine and an effective treatment.

Learn more from our Dr. Jessica Hwang: spr.ly/633217GfxX #OncSky #EndCancer

Should you take a daily probiotic supplement? Probiotics are good for your gut, but the source matters. Two MD Anderson experts share their thoughts on probiotic supplements, the best source of probiotics and how to keep your gut healthy.

While probiotics in the gut are shaped by diet and lifestyle, many people turn to supplements as an alternative way to influence their microbiome.

But should you take one? Our experts weigh in: spr.ly/6332071s0w #OncSky #EndCancer