[{"_id":"project-settings","settings":{"translateMetaTags":true,"translateAriaLabels":true,"translateTitle":true,"showWidget":true,"isFeedbackEnabled":false,"fv":1,"customWidget":{"theme":"custom","font":"rgb(255,255,255)","header":"rgb(0, 83, 160)","background":"rgba(9, 145, 184,0.8)","position":"right","positionVertical":"bottom","border":"rgb(204, 204, 204)","borderRequired":false,"widgetCompact":true,"isWidgetPositionRelative":false},"widgetLanguages":[{"code":"es","name":"Español"},{"code":"fr","name":"Français"},{"code":"pt","name":"Português"}],"activeLanguages":{"es":"Español","en":"English"},"enabledLanguages":["en","es"],"debugInfo":false,"displayBranding":true,"displayBrandingName":true,"localizeImages":false,"localizeUrls":false,"localizeImagesLimit":false,"localizeUrlsLimit":true,"localizeAudio":false,"localizeAudioLimit":false,"localizeDates":false,"disabledPages":[],"regexPhrases":[],"allowComplexCssSelectors":false,"blockedClasses":false,"blockedIds":false,"phraseDetection":true,"customDomainSettings":[],"seoSetting":[],"translateSource":true,"overage":false,"detectPhraseFromAllLanguage":false,"googleAnalytics":true,"mixpanel":false,"heap":false,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":830},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":830},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#.termly.io":1,"#.bat.bing.com":1,"#http_cookie":1,"#Google Analytics":1,"#4383 Medical Dr":1,"#Mala traducción":1,"#Original text":1,"#Password":1,"#The START Center billing phone number is: <a ljsid-1=\"\">210-593-5222</a>":1,"#A list of current prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you are taking, including dose and frequency":1,"#At your first appointment please bring the following with you:":1,"#What do I need to bring to my first appointment?":1,"#Any related X-rays or records you may have":1,"#Pertinent information about your medical and surgical history":1,"#A form of personal ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)":1,"#Your insurance card":1,"#Physician referral forms if required by insurance":1,"#You must either mail or bring into the office the form and a HIPAA-compliant patient authorization, which permits your physician to release the information to the requestor. Your physicians then will carefully fill out the form as necessary. We will be happy to mail you a HIPAA-compliant authorization for you to sign in front of a notary if you need one. Most forms require a fee payable at the time the form is received. The expected turnaround time is 7 to 10 business days.":1,"#It depends on your insurance. Some insurance companies require “an order” from your physician before they will pay for your medical visit. We recommend you call your insurance company to check on your benefits, and then you can call us to see if we accept your insurance.":1,"#Frequently Asked Questions":1,"#Dr. Lon Smith is a Medical Oncologist in private practice with the START Center and is also the president and CEO. He graduated from Rice University and LSU Medical School. He completed his fellowship in medical oncology at MD Anderson Hospital.":1,"#With a disease like cancer, chances are that your medicine cabinet is going to get a little bit more robust. The last thing you’re going to want to do is run around town after each appointment, trying to locate your different medications. Having a pharmacy on-site so you can pick up your medication right after your appointment will smooth out some stress in your life and the lives of your family. With our automated services like auto-refill and reminder calls, you will not have to worry about ever missing your medication. Staying on track with your medications is the best way to feel better. Every medication, prescription, or over the counter need available in our pharmacy goes through rigorous quality controls to ensure you’re getting exactly what the doctor ordered.":1,"#We only hire excellent pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who prioritize accurate, friendly service. Our goal is to ensure your experience with START’s world-class quality remains consistent from the waiting room to the exit doors.":1,"#Our pharmacists are not only highly competent in their knowledge of various medications, but also in communicating what you should expect when taking them. If you have any questions about the medications you’re prescribed, please don’t hesitate to ask — your comfort with the treatment plans designed by our cancer specialists is extremely important, both to us and to your health and well-being.":1,"#Prioritize Your Well-Being with Quick and Easy Medication Pick-Up":1,"#START Offers You High-Quality Medication, Conveniently Located On-Site":1,"#Our Hiring Process Gives You Top-Notch Service":1,"#The Same Positive Attitude You Enjoy from START":1,"#Skin Changes: This includes dimpling, puckering, redness, or thickening of the breast skin. The skin may also have a texture similar to an orange peel.":1,"#Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Any unusual change in the size or shape of the breast can be a sign of breast cancer.":1,"#Lump in the Breast or Underarm: A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm is often the first noticeable symptom. These lumps are usually painless but can be tender in some cases.":1,"#Aim to keep your weight within a healthy range, particularly after menopause, through a balanced diet and regular exercise.":1,"#Maintain a Healthy Weight:":1,"#Reducing Your Risk":1,"#Perform regular self-exams to become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. Report any changes, such as lumps, pain, or changes in size or shape, to your healthcare provider immediately.":1,"#Breast Self-Exams:":1,"#Genetic testing for mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can provide more information about your risk and guide your screening and prevention strategies.":1,"#Consider genetic counseling to assess your risk based on your family history.":1,"#Genetic Counseling and Testing:":1,"#Breast MRI: For those at very high risk, annual breast MRI scans may be recommended in addition to mammograms.":1,"#Clinical Breast Exams: Have your breasts examined by a healthcare provider regularly.":1,"#Mammograms: Start regular mammograms earlier than the general population, as recommended by your healthcare provider.":1,"#Regular Screenings:":1,"#Monitoring Your Health":1,"#If you have a family history of breast cancer, it’s important to take proactive steps to monitor your health and reduce your risk. Here are some recommendations:":1,"#While these factors can influence the likelihood of developing breast cancer, it is important to note that many people with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than age and gender. Conversely, not everyone with risk factors will develop breast cancer. Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle can help manage and potentially reduce the risk.Understanding the type of breast cancer is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan. Each type can behave differently and may require a specific approach to treatment.":1,"#Have more questions about breast cancer? We’re here to help. From understanding symptoms and risk factors to exploring treatment options and prevention strategies, our FAQ page covers what you need to know. Click below to find answers and support.":1,"#We believe healing extends beyond medical care. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted organizations to offer wellness programs that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. From your first test to your final therapy session, we’re here to support and empower you.":1,"#Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer":1,"#Metastatic Breast Cancer":1,"#Ductal Carcinoma in SITU":1,"#Caring for Yourself during Diagnosis":1,"#Young woman and her doctor":1,"#I have a family history of breast cancer. How should I monitor my health, and what can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?":1,"#While these steps can reduce the risk, they do not eliminate the possibility of developing breast cancer. Regular screenings and awareness of any changes in your breasts are crucial for early detection and treatment.Throughout your treatment, your healthcare team will monitor your progress and adjust as needed to ensure the best possible outcome. Regular communication with your medical team is essential to address any concerns and to understand your treatment options and plan.It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare team before starting treatment. They can help you manage side effects and provide support to improve your quality of life during treatment.The choice of treatment depends on the specific circumstances of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best addresses your needs and preferences.Understanding the stage of breast cancer helps doctors to determine the best treatment options and predict the likely outcome of treatment. Early detection through regular screenings can help find breast cancer at a more treatable stage.Early detection through these methods can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes. It is important to follow recommended screening guidelines and consult with your healthcare provider about the best screening plan for you based on your age, family history, and other risk factors.":1,"#Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:":1,"#What are common signs and symptoms of breast cancer?":1,"#It’s important to remember that not everyone with a genetic mutation will develop breast cancer, and many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or inherited genetic mutations. Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle are important for all individuals, regardless of genetic risk.":1,"#If you have a family history of cancer, particularly in close relatives, it is important to discuss genetic counseling and testing with your healthcare provider. Knowing your genetic risk can help you and your Knowing your genetic risk can help you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about screening and preventative measures.":1,"#Individuals who inherit these mutations have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, often at a younger age. Besides BRCA1 and BRCA2, other genetic mutations, such as those in the TP53, PTEN, PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM genes, can also increase the risk of breast cancer, though these are less common.":1,"#Yes, breast cancer can be inherited. About 5-10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, resulting from genetic mutations passed from parents to their children. The most common genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer are found in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.":1,"#Can breast cancer be inherited?":1,"#Reproductive History: Factors such as having children at an older age, not having children, and not breastfeeding can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.":1,"#Previous radiation treatment to the chest area, especially during childhood or young adulthood, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.":1,"#Radiation Exposure:":1,"#Physical Inactivity: Regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.":1,"#Obesity: Being overweight, especially after menopause, can increase the risk due to higher levels of estrogen produced by fat tissue.":1,"#Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.":1,"#Certain lifestyle choices can affect the risk of developing breast cancer. These include:":1,"#Lifestyle Factors:":1,"#The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over the age of 50.":1,"#Age:":1,"#Having a close relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer can increase an individual’s risk, indicating a possible genetic predisposition.":1,"#Family History:":1,"#Exposure to estrogen and progesterone over a long period can increase the risk of breast cancer. Factors that can contribute to prolonged hormone exposure include early menstruation, late menopause, and hormone replacement therapy.":1,"#Hormonal Factors:":1,"#Inherited mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These mutations can be passed down from parents to children.":1,"#Germline Mutations:":1,"#The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood but is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Here are some key factors that can contribute to the development of breast cancer:":1,"#What are the risk factors for breast cancer?":1,"#Understanding the type of breast cancer is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan. Each type can behave differently and may require a specific approach to treatment.":1,"#A rare cancer that starts in the cells lining blood or lymph vessels in the breast. It can be a result of previous radiation therapy to the area.":1,"#These are rare breast tumors that develop in the connective tissue of the breast. They can be benign, borderline, or malignant.":1,"#Phyllodes Tumors:":1,"#A rare form of breast cancer that starts in the ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple and areola, often causing crusting and redness.":1,"#Paget’s Disease of the Nipple:":1,"#A rare and aggressive form where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing it to look red and swollen.":1,"#Inflammatory Breast Cancer:":1,"#This type has high levels of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth. It can be more aggressive but may respond well to targeted therapies.":1,"#HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:":1,"#A type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2. It is more aggressive and harder to treat than other types.":1,"#Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:":1,"#This type starts in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and can spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body. It is less common than IDC.":1,"#Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):":1,"#The most common type of breast cancer, IDC begins in the ducts of the breast and invades surrounding tissue. It can spread to other parts of the body.":1,"#Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):":1,"#This is a non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct. It’s considered the earliest form of breast cancer.":1,"#Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS):":1,"#Breast cancer can be classified into several types based on where in the breast it starts and its characteristics. The main types of breast cancer include:":1,"#What are the different types of breast cancer?":1,"#Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, including the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that produce milk). It can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.":1,"#Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast. It occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass called a tumor. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.":1,"#What is breast cancer?":1,"#About Your Diagnosis":1,"#By staying informed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following a proactive monitoring plan, you can effectively manage your risk of breast cancer. Regular communication with your healthcare team is essential for staying informed and making the best choices for your health.":1,"#In very high-risk individuals (such as those with BRCA mutations), preventive mastectomy (removal of healthy breasts) or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. This is a major decision that requires thorough discussion with your healthcare team.":1,"#Preventive Surgery:":1,"#McCullough":1,"#For our physicians and our entire team, compassion is at the center of all we do. We are here to serve your best interests & those of your loved ones. We care for you person-to-person, on an individual level. This includes a treatment plan designed by your physician specifically for you. We work with you, care for you, educate you, and learn from you because part of our commitment to providing top-quality cancer care is to also provide the kindness, respect, and compassion you deserve.":1,"#About South Texas Oncology and Hematology":1,"#Dedicated, Compassionate, Individualized Care":1,"#Comprised of a large team of caring, dedicated doctors, South Texas Oncology and Hematology combines excellent people, state-of-the-art capabilities, and the most advanced treatments available. We bring together multiple cancer-care specialties and modalities: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, integrative therapies, and genetic testing of tumors for thorough efficient care.":1,"#“Omg! From entry to exit this place is wonderful! Caring staff and the doctors really take their time with you. There is sometimes a wait to see the doctor but it’s definitely worth it for the care you receive.”":1,"#See What Our Patients Have To Say":1,"#Pioneering Cancer Care For Your Tomorrow":1,"#Find Your Specialist":1,"#Upper GI Cancer":1,"#Medical Chart":1,"#“Since 2020, START Cancer Center has given me exceptional care. They have many cancer programs to help patients, including nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, and more. Glad I chose to come here!”":1,"#“Couldn’t ask for better treatment than I got. It’s a nice facility. The staff is professional, curious, and fast. Couldn’t ask for better treatment than I got.”":1,"#“They care about me and finding the best way to fight my cancer. They care about me as a person and really want the best for us all.”":1,"#At START Cancer Center, we open the doors to innovative cancer treatments, offering our patients early access to therapies shaping the future of care. Together, we can advance medical breakthroughs and deliver new hope.":1,"#Our team of oncologists are leaders in their fields and specialize in tailored and targeted treatments designed to meet your and your family’s needs.":1,"#With leading doctors, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge therapies—just a call away.":1,"#Get Started Today":1,"#40+ Years Of Proudly Serving San Antonio & Beyond":1,"#Doctor with an older woman":1,"#Ready For An Appointment?":1,"#myemail@example.com":1,"#What are you looking for:":1,"#Our team is here to guide you. Fill out the form below, and we'll connect with you soon.":1,"#Any Location":1,"#As the 1st cancer center in South Texas to use melanoma genetic testing, we set the benchmark for personalized skin cancer care. From diagnosis to treatment, our experts are dedicated to simplifying your healing journey with tailored care":1,"#An older man in a wheelchair being pushed by his doctor":1,"#By combining expertise in oncology, surgery, and therapy, our dedicated team creates personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.":1,"#Learn How":1,"#A medical professional and a patient":1,"#A senior patient speaking with a nurse":1,"#With advanced diagnostic tools, cutting-edge therapies, and compassionate care, we deliver personalized treatment plans for a simplified and supportive healing journey.":1,"#Type your message here...":1,"#If you visit our website with the Global Privacy Control opt-out preference signal enabled, depending on where you are, we will treat this as a request to opt-out of activity that may be considered a “sale” or “sharing” of personal information or other uses that may be considered targeted advertising for the device and browser you used to visit our website.":1,"#Do not sell or share my personal information":1,"#By clicking “opt out”, the browser on this device will be opted out of sharing personal data.":1,"#As described in our Privacy Policy, we collect personal information from your interactions with us and our website, including through cookies and similar technologies. We may also share this personal information with third parties, including advertising partners. We do this in order to show you ads on other websites that are more relevant to your interests and for other reasons outlined in our privacy policy.":1,"#Sharing of personal information for targeted advertising based on your interaction on different websites may be considered “sales”, “sharing”, or “targeted advertising” under certain U.S. state privacy laws. Depending on where you live, you may have the right to opt out of these activities. If you would like to exercise this opt-out right, please follow the instructions below.":1,"#Name":1,"#Our Doctors":1,"#Cancer Programs & Clinical Trials":1,"#You have opted out on this browser.":1,"#Opt Out":1,"#Clinical Trials":1,"#START Center for Cancer Care":1,"#Phone:":1,"#Email:":1,"#Address:":1,"#Skip to content":1,"#Get In Touch":1,"#Top Menu":1,"#Surgical Oncology":1,"#Phone":1,"#Email":1,"#Radiation Oncology":1,"#Toggle Accordion":1,"#Cancer Support Services":1,"#Medical Oncology":1,"#Footer Menu":1,"#Financial Assistance":1,"#Upper GI Cancer Program":1,"#submenu":1,"#Expand Menu":1,"#Primary Menu":1,"#Diva & Dude Wellness Program":1,"#Address":1,"#Breast Cancer":1,"#Patient Forms & Documents":1,"#Resources & Services":1,"#Outpatient Pharmacy":1,"#Thrivewell Cancer Foundation":1,"#Main Navigation":1,"#Rehabilitation Services":1,"#Nutrition Counseling":1,"#Location":1,"#Treatments & Services":1,"#FAQs":1,"#Educational Resources":1,"#Full Name":1,"#Cancer Programs":1,"#Skin Cancer":1,"#Program":1,"#Manage Cookies":1,"#Allow All":1,"#Close":1,"#Cookie Preferences":1,"#This website uses the following types of services. Learn more from our <span ljsid-1=\"\"> <a ljsid-1-1=\"\">Cookie Policy</a>. </span>":1,"#Breast Cancer Program":1,"#Decline":1,"#North Central / Atrium":1,"#Radiation Therapy":1,"#Hardy Oak":1,"#Make a Payment":1,"#Strictly Necessary cookies are absolutely necessary for core functions such as navigating the page or accessing secure areas. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.":1,"#Privacy Policy":1,"#Strictly Necessary":1,"#Patient Portal":1,"#Skin Cancer Program":1,"#Cookie Policy":1,"#Hematology":1,"#Medical Center":1,"#Home":1,"#At South Texas Oncology and Hematology, our mission is to provide leading-edge, compassionate cancer treatment backed by a deep commitment to advancing towards a new era in cancer care.":1,"#Save & Accept":1,"#Contact Us":1,"#Careers":1,"#HIPAA Policy":1,"#About Us":1,"#Surgery":1,"#Locations":1},"version":830}]