A personal calling guides postdoctoral fellow to research tumor evolution in breast cancer
For postdoctoral fellow Rachel Dittmar, Ph.D., cancer research is more than just business. It’s personal.
Having lost her grandmother to metastatic breast cancer and her mother to duodenal cancer – both died at age 53 – Dittmar chose to focus her postdoctoral research on studying tumor evolution. She works in the Navin Lab at MD Anderson under the guidance and mentorship of Nicholas Navin, Ph.D., chair of Systems Biology.  ...
Cholecystectomy explained: What to know about gallbladder removal surgery
A cholecystectomy is a common surgery to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small sac located on the right side of your abdomen...
Rectal cancer survivor finds connection and comfort at MD Anderson
Kim Phillip was diagnosed with rectal cancer in November 2020. She was 46 at the time, so it was considered young-onset colorectal cancer....
From patient to student: How this breast cancer survivor hopes to encourage others
Fifteen years ago, Paula Jones was diagnosed with stage IIIC triple-negative breast cancer. She was treated at MD Anderson and describes the care she received as “life-changing.”
Today, she is enrolled in the Mammography Certificate Program offered through MD Anderson’s School of Health Professions. She’s training as an apprentice to become a mammography technologist.
“I just feel so strongly about MD Anderson’s mission,...
Vasectomy and prostate cancer risk: What you should know
A vasectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done in males as a form of permanent birth control. During the procedure, the vas deferens (...
Preventing and managing caregiver burnout
When you are the caregiver for a cancer patient, you play a crucial role in supporting them during cancer treatment. It’s a huge responsibility...
Lymphoma survivor uses AI to help explain her treatment
Cate Heroman is a retired early childhood educator focused on children of preschool and early elementary age. She also volunteers in pre-K...
Prostate cancer survivor thankful for second opinion at MD Anderson
Bill Kish’s prostate cancer diagnosis came after his doctor felt something unusual during his annual physical. Blood work showed his PSA level...
Positive thoughts helped adenoid cystic carcinoma survivor heal
When Tammy Ebbinghaus was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal cavity in 2023, the timing couldn’t have been worse. She was...
Olfactory neuroblastoma didn’t stop this survivor from achieving his goals
When Justin Masse was diagnosed with a type of skull base tumor called olfactory neuroblastoma, he wanted to learn everything about this rare...
Clinical Ethics Fellow passionate about improving patient care
Maureen Pontarelli, D.Be, describes her career path as a bit unconventional.
The Rochester, New York, native attended college in Rhode...
Video producer’s storytelling supports MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer
Alex King came to MD Anderson after 20 years of working in TV production in Las Vegas. The work was fun, but it was a constant grind....
What is anal dysplasia? Causes, treatment and outlook
Anal dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the anal canal change and become abnormal. Anal dysplasia is not cancer. But it can turn into...
Understanding sarcoidosis: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the growth of lesions called granulomas. Although it is most commonly found in the lungs...
Breast cancer survivor’s mindset and trust in doctors got her through treatment
Kristy Mouton started getting annual mammograms at age 26 due to a family history of breast cancer. Her results had always been normal. But...
Understanding adult rhabdomyosarcoma: Types, prognosis and treatment
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the skeletal muscles. The disease is most common in children and adolescents...
How to cope with cancer when you live alone
Finding out you have cancer can cause a whirlwind of emotions. Not to mention, you’ll also need to make important treatment decisions...