Cancer

TMA Spotlights ACS Study to Improve Cancer Data for Black Women - 10/25/2024

Serving its goal of increasing access to cancer care, the Texas Medical Association’s Committee on Cancer is amplifying recruitment efforts for a new study, calling on Texas physicians to generate awareness to boost study enrollment and promote health equity. Read more.

Private Insurers Must Cover Surveillance Colonoscopies, TMA Urges Feds - 01/03/2024

To uphold the established standard of care for colorectal cancer screening, commercial insurers regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) must cover follow-up surveillance colonoscopies that take place after the removal of precancerous polyps or lesions in initial screening tests.

The Power of One Voice: Elisabeth Potter, MD's Advocacy Helped Upend CMS' Plan to End Certain Breast Surgery Coverage - 11/01/2023

Elisabeth Potter, MD’s spirited advocacy helped upend CMS’ plan to eliminate coverage for a preferred breast reconstruction surgery.

TMA Partners to Boost HPV Vaccination Rates - 09/06/2023

To help improve HPV vaccination rates, the Texas Medical Association joined with a coalition of more than 40 other organizations Tuesday to announce a renewed statewide immunization campaign to prevent HPV-related cancers.

Medicare Expands Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening - 02/24/2023

Medicare patients soon will benefit from expanded coverage of colorectal cancer screening tests, following advocacy by the Texas Medical Association and others in organized medicine.

CPRIT Awards $49 Million to Texas Cancer Researchers - 10/05/2022

The $49 million recently granted by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas shows how the agency makes Texas a leader in cancer research, says Temple internal medicine specialist Mammen Sam, MD, chair of the Texas Medical Association’s Committee on Cancer.

Talk to Patients About: Human Papillomavirus Vaccine - 07/29/2022

The vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most effective life-saving measures in medicine, and yet it has long suffered from poor public perception.

Medicare Lowers Thresholds to Cover Lung Cancer Screening - 04/05/2022

Medicare has announced expanded coverage for lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography, the only recommended screening test for the disease.

Commentary: I'm a Better Physician 'Thanks' to Cancer - 10/28/2021

The last thing a nonsmoking asymptomatic female physician expects during her usual hourly aerobic exercise is a phone call from her internist about a “spiculated lung nodule.” There was no need for the rest of the radiologist’s sentence: “suspicious for malignancy.”

Colorectal Cancer Screening More Accessible Thanks to State, National Initiatives - 06/08/2021

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Texas, but it’s also highly preventable through screening. A pair of recent measures – one each at the state and national levels – are designed to boost access to those screenings.

Commentary: Texas Has a Secret Weapon Against Cancer - 10/14/2019

Cancer is the No. 2 cause of death in Texas and across the United States. The good news is that things change, and we can be active agents in making sure that they change for the better. Reauthorization of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) would do more than keep the ball rolling; it would save lives.

CPRIT Saves Lives - Extend Its Life - 02/13/2019

TMA applauds the Texas Legislature for making the fight against cancer a statewide priority, and we urge the state to continue making strides in this work. Texas physicians want nothing but the best care for their patients and families, and CPRIT brings the best in cancer care, prevention, and treatment directly to our state. Please make provision for CPRIT’s continued funding.