The American Cancer Society estimates over 2 million new cancer cases and 600,000 cancer deaths among Latinos and all people in the US in 2025, according to a new report.
This makes cancer one of the most prevalent, deadly health issues facing our nation.
To respond to the health crisis of cancer in South Texas, the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio is hosting its annual Give Cancer the Boot Survivorship 5K and 1-Mile Walk in celebration of cancer survivors, patients, and their families on April 5, 2025.
Give Cancer the Boot
Not only does the event raise awareness about the impact of cancer on the community, but it also goes to support the Mays Cancer Center’s Patient and Family Assistance Fund.
The Patient and Family Assistance Fund works to provide “life-saving treatments and essential social service support,” according to the center’s website.
This includes services such as nutrition and clinical dietitian services, and emergency lodging for those who quality in hopes that patients can overcome some of the hurdles to quality cancer care.
To keep these services running, the program largely relies on fundraising, donations, and philanthropic partnerships, which is where the walk comes into play.
How to Participate
On April 5, 2025, the Mays Cancer Center (7979 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229) will welcome hundreds of adults, kids, runners, walkers, health care providers, patients, survivors, caregivers, and supporters looking to Give Cancer the Boot.
This year, the center is introducing a new event called the Superhero Kids Dash!
The race will feature kids dressed up as their favorite superheroes – capes provided – who will enjoy a short race before the 5K.
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Register for the event online.
Cancer survivors and children younger than 12 can participate for free. Regular attendees are $35 if they register through April 3.
Those who decide to participate the day before or day of the race will pay $40.
To ensure all those who want to participate can, regardless of health and transportation issues, the Mays Cancer Center is offering an at-home version.
For $20, you can participate in the comfort of your own home while receiving a commemorative race shirt and medal. However, those items must be picked up during packet pick up on April 4 and finisher medals will only be available for the first 900 participants.
Packet pickup will be held Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at REI, Huebner Oaks Shopping Center, located at 11745 I-10 Suite 110 in San Antonio.
The race kicks off on Saturday, April 5, with registration at 7:30 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. The Superhero Kids Dash takes place at 8:45 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m. followed by the 1-mile walk at 9:15 am.
Cancer Screenings
In addition to the festivities, the University Health Mobile Mammography Unit will be on site from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. the day of the race to provide life-saving mammograms to the community.
You’re a good candidate for a mammogram if you:
- Age 40 or older (most insurance companies pay for mammogram screenings for women aged 35-39 with a doctor’s recommendation)
- Have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have no unusual breast symptoms such as lumps, pain, changes in skin or nipple discharge
Those who don’t meet the criteria or are experiencing some of these things should discuss other options with their medical provider, including getting another exam, or call 210-358-7020 to learn more.
These screenings are easy and convenient, for most women it takes 30 minutes or less to complete.
For women needing additional support, financial assistance is available for qualifying women. You can call 210-358-7020 for more information about financial assistance.
To schedule your mammogram, call 210-358-7020 or visit healthyUexpress.com and select “Schedule a Mobile Mammography Appointment.” They will contact your insurance company to make sure you are eligible.
About the Mays Cancer Center
As a partner of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Mays Cancer Center has been serving South Texas for years by providing cancer care and advanced therapies to patients in the area.
The Mays Cancer Center is part of the UT Health San Antonio system and operates as an academic medical center dedicated to research, which includes cancer drug development, and the latest clinical trials.
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Because of this, the Mays Cancer Center can offer patients medications not yet approved for the general public, according to the center’s website.
Clinical trial participation extends to all aspects of cancer care, including prevention, detection, and supportive therapies.
The center is also equipped with specialty cancer programs in liver and blood cancers, leading treatments such as robotic surgery, a focus on preventative care, and testing, treatment, and support services.
To find more information about clinical trials and read about role models who have joined a clinical trial, visit the Salud America! clinical trials page.
In San Antonio, search the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio’s Find a Clinical Trial database to learn more about available clinical trials and eligibility requirements.
If you live outside South Texas, visit clinicaltrials.gov to find a clinical trial near you.
Visit With Cancer Organizations and Engage in Research Studies
Along with the race, the Mays Cancer Center has also invited several cancer organizations to share their services.
Organizations such as the Debbie’s Dream Foundation, which focuses on ending stomach cancer, will be there along with UT Health San Antonio’s own Avanzando Caminos team.
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The Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship study is an observational study focused on unpacking the social, cultural, behavioral, mental, biological, and medical influences on post-cancer life.
To accomplish this, the study team is looking to enroll 1,500 Latino cancer survivors in South Texas who have completed primary cancer treatment for breast, colon, kidney, liver, lung, prostate, stomach or cervical cancers in the last 10 years.
Volunteers will participate in seven study visits over five years with assessment interviews and some blood draws. Those who do volunteer will be eligible to receive $50 per visit.
Those interested in volunteering for Avanzando Caminos or to ask questions, can contact a member of the study team at UT Health San Antonio at 210-562-6514 or caminos@uthscsa.edu.
To determine eligibility, fill out a quick survey on the on the Avanzando Caminos website in (English) or (Spanish) and a member of the study team will be in touch.
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