Chia seeds 101: What are they, and how can they improve your health?
In the 1980s and ‘90s, chia was all the rage — not as a dietary staple but as terra cotta figurines that could sprout into lush sculptures.
But seeds from the plant are actually packed full of important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Chia seeds contain a sizable portion of the daily value recommended in protein and fiber, too.
Now, they’re getting attention for their nutritional value and potential...
What is a LEEP procedure? 11 things to know about loop electrosurgical excision
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, is a preventive procedure in which a medical provider uses a wire loop heated by electricity...
Stomach cancer previvor: Why I promote genetic testing
In 2008, my eldest sister died of stomach cancer. She was only 31. But her California doctor told our family we were “lucky,” because this...
ASTRO 2026: Top 4 abstracts advancing radiation therapies
At the 2026 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, UT MD Anderson experts will showcase the latest research focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
I’m most excited about the data from our randomized clinical trials and translational studies that will impact patient care and lead to further research.
Out of the many presentations and abstracts...
Getting to know Chief Scientific Officer Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D.
As UT MD Anderson’s chief scientific officer (CSO), Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D., provides the vision for and executive oversight of our research...
Neuropathy: Causes, symptoms and what cancer patients need to know
Neuropathy is the clinical term for nerves that are not working properly.
From a structural perspective, that could mean they’re either...
How immunotherapy changed cancer treatment – and why its impact is still growing
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first immune checkpoint inhibitor, ipilimumab, for the treatment of advanced melanoma...
Leukemia survivor finds hope and connection at UT MD Anderson
In early 2024, Leigh Ann Chiles had just turned 50. She and her husband, Chris, were empty nesters who had just moved into their new home...
Abnormal HPV and/or Pap test? Here's what to expect
You’ve gotten the results of your HPV and/or Pap test back — and they were abnormal.
But what does that mean? Is that the same thing...
Thyroid nodules: 8 questions, answered
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your lower neck that produces hormones which control your metabolism, heart rate and body temperature...
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) survivor grateful for UT MD Anderson
When John Clark III was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) in April 2023, he was shocked and scared. CUP is a rare cancer that...
What wearable tech can tell you about your health
We used to rely on pedometers and simple activity trackers to count our steps and estimate the calories we burned through exercise. But now...
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus (also sometimes called Barrett’s disease or Barrett’s syndrome) is a precancerous condition caused by uncontrolled acid...
Immunotherapy pioneer: My journey to help create the James P. Allison Institute™
My journey to the creation of the James P. Allison Institute™ has been this really amazing path of bringing together science and medicine....
Rectal cancer survivor thankful for UT MD Anderson’s patient-centered care
At age 54, Chris Gibson worked out five days a week and ate a healthy diet. He felt like he was in the best shape of his life.
Then...
What is the glycemic index?
You probably know that eating a nutritious, balanced diet is important for your overall health. But when it comes to carbohydrates, not all...
Anaplastic thyroid cancer survivor finds perfect fit at UT MD Anderson
In June 2021, Leslie Mellinger was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, the rarest and most aggressive type of thyroid cancer. She was...
Metastatic breast cancer survivor: ‘UT MD Anderson saved my life’
Gladys Gakuu was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in 2012. She was 29. She had a mastectomy with breast reconstruction surgery, followed...