How to make colonoscopy prep better
Clear liquid diets, giant containers of prep solution, heightened nerves, and spending the majority of an evening tied to your toilet¡ªit¡¯s no wonder that for many people, the toughest part of a colonoscopy isn¡¯t the procedure itself: it¡¯s the preparation.
As a gastroenterologist, colorectal cancer screening is one of my most important tasks. However, a colonoscopy is really a partnership. Your care team doesn¡¯t do all the work;...
Surgical drains 101: What to know about their use, care and removal
When you need surgery as a part of your cancer treatment, you usually know that you¡¯re going to have something removed. But many patients...
Negative effects of vaping on teens
When e-cigarettes were first sold, many claimed users would be adult smokers who wanted to stop smoking regular cigarettes.
But youth...
Estate planning checklist: How to start ¡®getting your affairs in order¡¯
Many patients come to MD Anderson for a second opinion after being told elsewhere: ¡°Get your affairs in order.¡±??
But what does that phrase mean???
Should you start making plans for a funeral service or picking out a burial plot? Or, designating a legal guardian for your minor children??
It can be hard to think clearly when you¡¯re anxious about a new cancer diagnosis. So, I¡¯ll share five considerations...
Breast medical oncologist: Collaboration, education and research are pillars of patient care
After graduating from medical school, I moved to Houston with the goal of becoming a cardiologist. But a clinical rotation at MD Anderson...
Artificial sweeteners vs. natural sweeteners: Which one is better?
The baking aisle at the grocery store can be a little overwhelming. There are so many different ingredients ¡ª especially sweeteners. There...
What types of cancer can cause itchy skin?
Your skin can itch for many reasons, such as allergies, insect bites and dry skin. The itch, called pruritus, will usually go away once you...
What is a total laryngectomy?
A total laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, or voice box. It is a common procedure used to treat laryngeal cancer.
...
How to avoid injury when starting a new exercise routine
You¡¯ve dusted off your dumbbells, washed out your water bottle, and retrieved your sneakers from the back of the closet. But it's important...
Why I began my nursing career at MD Anderson
Growing up, I was drawn to the medical field because it combined my passion for helping others with my love for the sciences. So, after I...
How to clean your ears safely: Tips to avoid harm
Cleaning your ears may sound simple. But you might be wondering about the best way to clean your ears, how often you should do it and which...
What is hematemesis? Vomiting blood, explained
Hematemesis is the scientific term for vomiting blood. But it¡¯s not the same thing as hemoptysis, which is coughing up blood. The difference...
How to deal with changes in your appearance due to cancer treatment
Cancer treatments have the potential to cause sudden, significant changes in your appearance.?
Whether it¡¯s a scar due to surgery...
Need a punch biopsy? Here¡¯s what to expect
As a dermatologist, I examine skin all day, every day. If I see something concerning on your skin, I may perform a punch biopsy to learn more...
Breast cancer survivor-volunteer and colorectal cancer patient share unique friendship
It all began over a hot cup of coffee, a warm smile and the need to speak with someone who knew what she was going through.
Colorectal...
Can¡¯t give blood yourself? Here are three other ways to support blood donation
If you know how much blood donations benefit cancer patients, you may already be eager to roll up your sleeve.
But what if you¡¯ve been...
7 bird flu questions, answered
It¡¯s flu season ¨C and not just for humans. Bird flu, or avian influenza, refers to many viruses that typically infect birds, similar to human...
Why is it harder to lose weight as you get older?
As you get older, you may have a hard time losing weight. Even shedding just one to two pounds can prove difficult.
So why is it so...
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer: What to know
If you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, you may be wondering which treatment options are available to you. Prostate cancer treatment...
Thyroid biopsy: Purpose, process and recovery
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your lower neck. A thyroid biopsy is a procedure that helps diagnose or rule out thyroid...
8 viruses that cause cancer
Researchers know that several infections can lead to cancer. This includes infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Studying...
Is talc in makeup safe?
Talcum powder, also known as talc, is a naturally occurring mineral that is a common ingredient in products from baby powder to chewing gum...