Why I Shout about Being a Cancer Doctor
Nov 12, 2017
A prestigious oncology journal recently published an opinion piece titled, “Why I Keep Quiet about Being a Cancer Doctor.” I was depressed after reading it, because the author self-identified as ... continue
A Truly Community-Wide Cancer Program
Jun 11, 2017
Every three months or so, I chair a meeting at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial in Lufkin of the Cancer Committee. As an accredited cancer program through the American College ... continue
Support Raising the Smoking Age to 21
Feb 27, 2017
The 85th Texas Legislative Session is in full swing. On Wednesday, February 15, a bill was filed in the House by Representative (and physician) John Zerwas (R) to raise ... continue
Add HPV Vaccination to Your Kids' Christmas List
Dec 06, 2016
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refers to itself as the nation's health protection agency. Among other things, they monitor infectious disease outbreaks (such as Zika, influenza or ... continue
Empowered – and Inundated – by Pink
Oct 04, 2016
There is a minor malady that comes around every season. It is characterized by a drop in energy, glazed eyes, and a strong desire just to sit and do ... continue
Prostate Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Sep 06, 2016
Over the last 30 years, I have been witness to a remarkable change in how we diagnose and treat prostate cancer. Prior to the mid-1980s, prostate cancer was detected most ... continue
Colorectal Cancer Screening: 80% by 2018
Aug 02, 2016
Katie Couric has raised awareness of colorectal cancer ever since her husband died of the disease in 1998. Yet colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death ... continue
Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives
May 03, 2016
For more than 50 years now, we have known the dangers of smoking. That smoking causes heart disease, emphysema, and lung and other cancers is not in dispute. For ... continue
Cancer Brings Out a Range of Emotions
Mar 01, 2016
I hate cancer. Hate is a bad word, I know. My mother always got on to me when I said I hated something or someone. We raise our children ... continue
Cattle Baron's Gala Supports Local Cancer Patients
Oct 06, 2015
I always look forward to the Pineywoods Cattle Baron's Gala. Not only do I have a good time, I know the money raised is going to a great cause - ... continue
A New Era of Cancer Survivorship
May 05, 2015
We are surviving cancer in greater numbers than ever! The American Medical Association's new oncology journal, JAMA Oncology, presented encouraging statistics in their inaugural issue on how many of ... continue
Cancer is a Global Problem
Feb 03, 2015
Tomorrow is World Cancer Day. We think we have a cancer problem in the US, and we do. But other countries, especially the poorer ones, are truly suffering. Two ... continue
One Teacher's Story of Cancer and Community Support
Oct 07, 2014
I have had the privilege over the last few months of speaking at Lions and Rotary Club lunches about cancer and the work of the American Cancer Society. My tag ... continue
Prostate Cancer: How Should We Treat It?
Jul 01, 2014
Prostate cancer screening and treatment may be the most divisive issue in oncology today. Oh, we argue about breast cancer, and whether or not women in their 40s should get ... continue
Winning the War on Cancer
Mar 04, 2014
“I have cancer.” What is your first reaction when someone tells you that? Not the same as when you hear, “I have diabetes,” or, “I high blood pressure.” Something ... continue
Giving Thanks!
Nov 05, 2013
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but why wait! I want to send a big thank you to Debbie Jackson, my hardworking co-chair for local enrollment for the American ... continue
Your Role in Cancer Prevention
Sep 03, 2013
Cancer. Got your attention now? I live and breathe cancer. It's my job. Who knows, I may die with cancer. But my odds are improved because of some choices ... continue