A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing news. Understanding the emotional impact is the first step in supporting patients and families as they cope with everything and move forward toward treatment and recovery.

Oncologist describing mammogram

A breast cancer diagnosis is generally the worst news a woman can receive, but although the journey is challenging, there are also many reasons for genuine hope. Each year, more women are not only surviving breast cancer, but thriving afterward, thanks to treatments that are more effective and more compassionate than ever.

Breast health is highly individual, with varying expert opinions and personal risk factors, making early education and proactive care essential. Understand your risk through family history and medical consultation, know your breasts by recognizing changes, and follow personalized screening plans with your doctor.

Audience seated at round tables in a conference room during the 3rd Annual Howard and Lillian Becker Perinatal Care Conference at UTMB, with presenters speaking at a podium and large screens displaying a presentation on mental health access

The University of Texas Medical Branch is hosting the 3rd Annual Howard and Lillian Becker Perinatal Care Conference today and Thursday at its Galveston Campus, serving as the required annual all-staff training mandated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission through UTMB Regional Women’s Services and Pediatrics (RWSP) grants.

Young women with a family history of breast cancer can benefit from genetic counseling to assess hereditary risk, guide screening decisions, and consider lifestyle changes. UTMB counselors stress self-advocacy and early awareness for better outcomes.

Yuniquie Robinson stands holding hands with her mother, Darlene Robinson, while speaking with UTMB neurologist Dr. Abdul Khan in a hospital corridor, reflecting the care and support that guided her recovery from Guillain‑Barré Syndrome

There are two important things Yuniquie Robinson shares with others about her journey with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. First, she reminds everyone that self-advocacy in a medical space is critical. The second is to go straight to UTMB for help.

Bridget Simonin speaking with support group

UTMB is reviving its breast cancer support group, “Reconstruction of a Survivor,” to help patients and families find strength through shared experiences. Led by LCSW Bridget Simonin, the group offers emotional support, resources, and community for those navigating breast cancer.

Research by UTMB’s Dr. Isabella Faria and colleagues found that children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis (UA) treated with antibiotics alone faced significantly higher risks of treatment failure and serious complications within a year compared with those who underwent appendectomy. "What we're seeing now is that, as the volume and quality of evidence increase, a clearer signal is emerging: nonoperative management is associated with higher failure rates and more complications," Faria told MedPage Today.

UTMB Pediatric Urologist Dr. Jonathan Gerber spoke with Houston Moms host Meagan Clanahan, covering topics like circumcision, bedwetting, and other common urological issues in children. Get expert insights and practical advice every parent should hear.

Glenn Sanford, JD, PhD, University of Houston Clear Lake; Rashid Mosavin, RPH, PhD, MBA, Texas Southern University; Randy Urban, MD, UTMB; Ed Jones, MBA, Houston Methodist

The University of Texas Medical Branch has been awarded a seven-year, $29 million Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to establish and lead the new Greater Gulf Coast Translational Science Alliance (GGCTSA).

Medscape reports on a study published earlier this year that found that CT scans may be a major cause of cancer. Those results are disputed by many. Medscape quoted a letter penned by UTMB’s Chris Hsu, Alexander David and Dr. James Roberts that states the study doesn’t take recent innovations in medical imaging into account. “This leads to an overestimation of the projected risk of cancer alongside the upward trend of CT use,” Medscape quotes from the letter.

Portrait of Dr. Yunfeng Chen wearing a blue suit and glasses against a teal background, with on‑image text identifying him as an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UTMB

A groundbreaking University of Texas Medical Branch study that revealed how blood clots form under pressure has earned national recognition. The research, led by Yunfeng Chen, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, has been awarded the 2025 Horizon Award, which includes a $15,000 prize honoring an outstanding publication of the past year.