Breast Surgeon Brings Specialty to MD Anderson in Katy

MD Anderson News Release March 14, 2012

Native Houstonian Joins Growing Breast Cancer Team

MD Anderson News Release 03/14/12

Jessica Suarez Colen, M.D., a specialized breast surgeon, has joined the expanding multidisciplinary team at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Regional Care Center in Katy.

Suarez Colen, who grew up in Sugar Land, trained in her specialty at MD Anderson in the Texas Medical Center, completing a surgical fellowship program. As a surgical oncologist with a specialty in breast cancer, Suarez Colen sees only women who have confirmed or suspected breast cancer or who have benign breast disease. She joins a team of radiation and medical oncologists at the Katy center, and together, they provide MD Anderson's signature multidisciplinary care and focused expertise to all breast cancer patients.

Suarez Colen cares for patients at the center in Katy, which is located on the campus of CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital.

"I am so pleased to be at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy and be a part of a committed team of medical and radiation oncologists, oncology nurses and other professionals who provide support services to our breast cancer patients," Suarez Colen said. "It's vital that the whole team is in synch when it comes to cancer care, no matter what type of cancer. Because we all are in the same center and trained in the team culture of MD Anderson in the Texas Medical Center, it's second nature."

Saurez Colen received her medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. She completed her general surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by her fellowship in breast surgical oncology at MD Anderson. She also earned a master's degree in public health from The University of Texas School of Public Health.

"Breast cancer is a life changing experience for women diagnosed with the disease," Suarez Colen said. "My training and focus on breast cancer give me technical skill but it also provides a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the disease, a sense for what my patients are going through and how to best be there for them."

Suarez Colen is one of three specialized MD Anderson surgical oncologists at the Katy center. Also new to the team are surgeons with specialties in head and neck cancers, such as thyroid, skin and oral cavity, and urology, which includes cancers of the prostate and kidney.

The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy offers a growing range of cancer care services that provides medical, radiation and specialized surgical oncology, on-site infusion therapy, pain management, nutrition, social work, rehabilitation and other support services.

MD Anderson also has regional care centers in Sugar Land, Bay Area and The Woodlands that offer a similar range of cancer care services.

To learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy visit www.MDAnderson.org/Katy.