The START Center for Cancer Care

08/03/2026

Back-to-school season brings new routines. If your family is navigating cancer treatment, a little planning can help make the transition smoother.
We put together a guide covering how to manage appointments, support caregivers, and plan ahead so nothing falls through the cracks. https://thestartcenter.com/2026/07/22/back-to-school-cancer-care-tips-families/
Your START Center care team is always just a call away!

08/01/2026

🫁 It's World Lung Cancer Day.

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers every year and one of the deadliest in the U.S. But here's the good news: survival rates keep improving thanks to earlier detection and better treatment.

Dr. Antoine Harb, medical oncologist at The START Center for Cancer Care, is sharing an important message for our community, because the more we know, the earlier we detect it, and the more lives we save.

🎥 Watch his message below.

07/30/2026

At age 27, Elizabeth had recently gotten married, was building her first home, and was excelling in her career as a high school teacher until she felt a change in her left breast. Despite her young age, she knew something was not right and insisted on an exam. That was the day her life changed and the beginning of a long journey.

Diagnosed with stage 3A hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, Elizabeth underwent 28 rounds of radiation, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, hair loss, treatment-induced menopause, two mastectomies, and three reconstruction surgeries, followed by 10 years of tamoxifen therapy.

The support she found at The START Center for Cancer Care guided her through every step.

Watch the video. 🌸✨🎥

https://youtube.com/shorts/saUb8doISEE?si=JX5SsIdoH8uuACZ2

📸 Elizabeth is pictured with Dr. Prathibha Surapaneni

07/22/2026

Blood tests are an important part of cancer care.
Understanding blood counts during treatment can help patients know what to expect and how their body is responding to therapy. Changes in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are common and carefully monitored. Learn what these numbers mean and when to talk to your care team: https://tinyurl.com/5ydbkdwy

07/20/2026

Understanding Your Cancer Journey: Mediports

In this episode of Understanding Your Cancer Journey, we’re joined by Kyle Mounger, NP, one of the START Center’s surgical nurse practitioners, to discuss a common topic many cancer patients have questions about: mediports (implanted ports).

Kyle works with the GI Cancer Program, and together we’ll explore what mediports are, why they are used, what patients can expect, and how they support care throughout the cancer journey.

This multi-part series was created to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions patients and families have along the way. We hope these conversations provide helpful information, clarity, and support during every step of your journey.

07/17/2026

When Ruben from Laredo, Texas received his Stage III pancreatic cancer diagnosis, he was given a grim prognosis of just 30 days.

Along with his wife Patty, Ruben refused to accept the news and turned to The START Center for Cancer Care in San Antonio, where they found not just advanced medical care, but a dedicated team that stood with them through the hardest chapter of their lives.

Following an arduous seven-year journey, Ruben beat the odds with the support of The START Center for Cancer Care. ✨

When Ruben from Laredo, Texas received his Stage III pancreatic can...

07/15/2026

Today, July 15th, we recognize Glioblastoma Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and complex brain tumor. While the exact cause of glioblastoma remains unknown, research has shown that it is typically not inherited and is not considered a genetic condition.
Current treatment options for glioblastoma may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While these treatments can help manage the disease, glioblastoma remains challenging to treat, and continued research is critical to improving outcomes and developing more effective therapies.
Symptoms of glioblastoma can vary but may include persistent headaches, loss of appetite, balance issues or difficulty walking, changes in personality or behavior, and mood changes. Raising awareness helps encourage early recognition, support those affected, and advance research toward better treatments and hope for the future.

07/13/2026

Every year on July 13th, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Awareness Day is observed to bring attention to this rare type of cancer that affects the digestive system. GIST is a form of sarcoma that develops in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. Although it is a lesser-known cancer, raising awareness about GIST is essential to helping individuals recognize symptoms, understand the importance of early diagnosis, and learn about available treatment options. By increasing education and awareness, we can support patients and families affected by GIST while encouraging continued research and advancements in care.

07/10/2026

When facing a cancer diagnosis, you deserve an expert medical team that truly cares.

Debra, a two-time cancer survivor, highlights the awesome medical team at The START Center for Cancer Care, from surgeons to oncologists.

If you or a loved one are seeking care, visit The START Center for Cancer Care at www.thestartcenter.com to learn more about our patient-centered approach. ✨

Watch Debra here. 📹️

When facing a cancer diagnosis, you deserve an expert medical team ...

07/09/2026

July is Bone and Sarcoma Awareness Month. Most bone pain is not serious, but persistent or unexplained pain should not be ignored. Symptoms such as pain that worsens over time, occurs at night, or is not linked to an injury should be evaluated.
Learn when to talk with your doctor and what to watch for: https://tinyurl.com/4xtrrjvp