How art is shaping the patient experience at MD Anderson
A beige countryside. A winding stream. A field punctuated by a grazing cow.
Jennifer Finkel, Ph.D., knows that the artwork traditionally found in hospitals tends to blend into the wallpaper at the exact moment a patient may need it the most. That's why she’s adamant that art never be an afterthought or a finishing touch. Instead, she sees art as a cornerstone of a patient’s experience, providing mental respite, playing a role in...
Intrathecal chemotherapy: 10 questions, answered
Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) occurs when microscopic cancer cells spread to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These cells may...
Facing a pediatric brain tumor with a cheerful spirit
Audrey Yerian, known to her friends and family as “Audge,” is a 10-year-old competitive cheerleader from Tomball, Texas. Her passion for cheer...
How to talk to your children about vaping
About 1.63 million American children under age 18 — roughly 6% of our youth population — reported vaping in 2024. That figure represents a significant drop since 2019, when almost 30% of young people in the U.S. reported using e-cigarettes.
But 1.63 million children vaping is still far too many. The nicotine in these products can disrupt their brain development, negatively impact their learning ability, and amplify their feelings...
Phantosmia: 8 things to know about olfactory hallucinations
Phantosmia is the scientific term for olfactory hallucinations — that is, the perception of odors that do not exist. It’s like detecting the...
Clinical dietitian: 3 ways to reduce your sugar intake and still enjoy sweets
There’s no evidence linking sugar directly to cancer. But eating too much sugar can still lead to weight gain, which increases your risk of...
Soursop: Does this tropical fruit have health benefits?
Soursop goes by several names — including graviola or guanabana — but has one very distinct look. Picture a spiky green football, and you’...
Pancreatic cancer survivor grateful for MD Anderson
I’ve tried being normal my whole life. It just wouldn’t stick. Even my cells want to be different. When I had a double...
What is an actinic keratosis? Dermatologist explains common precancerous skin lesion
Actinic keratoses are very common precancerous skin lesions caused by long-term sun exposure. Dermatologists often find actinic keratoses...
Does your body have a set point weight, and can you change it?
If you’ve tried to lose weight, you know that often the hardest part is keeping the pounds off long term.
It’s a huge challenge – one...
7 ways to support MD Anderson
If you’re eager to give back to MD Anderson — whether because the treatment you received here extended your life or those of the people you...
How to lose weight after cancer
Weight loss can feel overwhelming. Cancer survivorship may make it feel even more complex...
How to manage body image concerns after breast cancer surgery
Losing a breast due to cancer treatment can mean different things to different people. It all depends on where you are in your life and how...
Lymph nodes explained: Location, function, swelling and cancer connection
When people get sick with a cold or sore throat, they often say, ‘My glands are swollen.’ What they’re really referring to are the lymph nodes...
Stage IV lung cancer survivor: ‘Go straight to MD Anderson’
By the time I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in the fall of 2024, it had spread all ...
Heavy metals in chocolate: 5 questions, answered
A lot of people crave sugar, and chocolate is usually pretty high on the list of preferred sweets....
Advance care planning: What patients and caregivers should know
Advance care planning can seem daunting, but it’s a necessary process to make sure that your health care preferences are honored if you become...