Leukopenia: 6 things to know about a low white blood cell count
Leukopenia is the scientific term for having a low white blood cell count. It’s considered a more general term than neutropenia, which is specific to only one type of white blood cell (the neutrophil).
The Greek prefix “leuko-” means white, while the suffix “-penia” means “too few.” So, it encompasses all types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils....
Young adult glioblastoma survivor grateful for UT MD Anderson
In September 2021, Leah Alvarez was working as a step-down intensive care nurse with a specialty in neuroscience in Florida, caring for patients...
Understanding adenoid cystic carcinoma: Symptoms, treatment and outlook
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare cancer of the secretory glands, which are glandular tissues that make and release substances such as saliva...
Vitamin B12 deficiency: What to know
Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It plays a role in many bodily functions including:
Blood cell function Brain function Nerve function Metabolism DNA synthesisMany people can get enough vitamin B12 through diet. However, some people can’t get enough B12 through the foods they eat due to health conditions...
Rare double-hit leukemia survivor: ‘Go straight to UT MD Anderson’
Normally, leukemia is a disease that strikes old people and babies. So, when I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in ...
Creatine powders and supplements: Should you take one?
If you use social media, you’ve probably already seen at least one ad or influencer touting the benefits of creatine.
Claims for this...
How to reduce inflammation in the body
Inflammation is one of the immune system’s tools for keeping your body healthy. It can help your body heal and prevent illnesses, but if it...
Y90-radioembolization radiation therapy for liver cancer patients
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, but it can be difficult to treat. It’s often not caught until its...
Sigmoidoscopy: Purpose, procedure and how it compares to a colonoscopy
An anoscopy examines the anus, and a colonoscopy examines the colon. So, what does a sigmoidoscopy examine? Hint: the answer is in the name...
Stage III triple-negative breast cancer survivor: Pay attention to your body
I exercise regularly, eat pretty well and maintain a healthy body weight. With the possible exception of 2020 — that first awful year of the...
Dehydration symptoms: What to look for
Dehydration happens when the body loses fluids without replacing them. Anything that causes your body to lose fluids can lead to dehydration...
How digital twins are making cancer surgery safer
Surgical procedures are a common part of cancer diagnosis and treatment, from a biopsy to determine the stage and type of cancer to the removal...
What is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
How do you find renewed purpose in life when a cancer diagnosis, its symptoms or treatment has fundamentally altered the way you live?...
How to cope with cold sensitivity due to chemotherapy
Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs — including cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin — are well-known for causing nerve damage in the hands...
Astrocytoma survivor: Why I joined a targeted therapy clinical trial at UT MD Anderson
Until Groundhog Day 2018, I’d been living a healthy and normal life in Austin with my wife, Amy, and our two young children. Then one day,...
Hypertension and cancer: 9 things to know about high blood pressure
Hypertension is the scientific term for high blood pressure — that is, when the force exerted on the walls of the blood vessels is consistently...
Myelodysplastic syndrome survivor: UT MD Anderson helped me overcome cancer and become a mom
I’ve always wanted to have children. It’s something I’ve known about myself from a very young age.
So, when I found out the treatment...
Immunotherapy and colorectal cancer: Where we are and what’s ahead
The immune system defends the body from viruses and bacteria. But it’s not as successful in killing cancer on its own. Immune checkpoint inhibitors...
A leukemia survivor’s perspective on aligning care with what matters most
When Britt Mayo received a phone call from his doctor at 7:15 a.m. after a routine physical, he knew it wouldn’t be good news.
“I remember...
Total neoadjuvant therapy: A new era for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
When rectal cancer advances to involve nearby lymph nodes but hasn’t spread to other areas of the body, it’s considered to be locally advanced...
Methylene blue: Should you take it?
Methylene blue is a salt and dye that has been used in medicine for over 100 years. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant...
Exercise snacks: How to sneak more exercise into your day
Squeezing a full workout into your busy day can be tough. Warming up, exercising and cooling down all take time. So do the commute to the...