BY KARA WILLIS
Screening recommendations
The impact
Type of test Women Breast cancer Cervical cancer Men Prostate cancer
Age
Recommendation
Early detection is key, said Jodie Tonn, a breast cancer survivor in The Woodlands. Tonn was diagnosed at age 35 with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer in June 2024 and received care at both Memorial Hermann and Houston Methodist. She started a support group in February at
the Memorial Hermann-based Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center for local survivors age 45 and younger. “Being able to talk to other young women that are going through the same thing and understand where you are in life was really important,” Tonn said.
40-74 Every 1-2 years 21-65 Every 3-5 years
50-69 Consult physician
All adults Lung cancer
50-80 Current and past smokers
Colorectal cancer 45-75 Consult physician
SOURCE: MEMORIAL HERMANN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s being done
Cancer patients and survivors can also find local support outside of the traditional hospital setting. Canopy, which offers over 45 programs and group activities for free to cancer patients from any hos- pital, celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer, Program Manager Marcella Herrera said. Due to increased patient need, Canopy has
expanded its hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 8 p.m., Herrera said. “We’ve noticed cancer incidence is getting younger,” Herrera said. Houston Methodist also offers no-cost services for its patients and families at its Health Education and Learning facility. These include various types
of oncology support. Several area organizations, including the Amer- ican Cancer Society, also provide transportation for cancer patients to appointments. Tracy Guara, director of regional integrated marketing for ACS, said lack of transportation is the main reason people miss appointments.
Cancer five-year survival rate
What to expect
Breast (women)
91%
Among local hospitals, Memorial Hermann plans to continue recruiting additional oncologists specializing in stomach, pancreas and liver cancers as those types of cancer continue to rise in The Woodlands area, Kendrick said. Additionally, Herrera said additional counselors and a nurse navigator are being added to the staff at Canopy.
Houston Methodist has also added oncology staff recently, Guerrero said, as well as other specialists to continue to support cancer patients. “Recent growth has included expanded subspecialty expertise in breast oncology, gastrointestinal oncology and hematology, along with additional infusion nursing support to meet rising patient demand,” she said.
Kidney and renal pelvis
78%
Lung and bronchus 25% Liver and bile duct 22% Pancreas 14%
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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