Mental Health Awareness is Always in Season

By Jackie Castillo, LCSW-OCW-C, Manager, Social Work, Texas Oncology

Taking steps to acknowledge that mental health is just as important as physical health is essential. While it may seem like a small step, simply recognizing how you are doing mentally allows you to stay present and creates space to genuinely check in with yourself.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting your mental well-being. Being open and curious about different options can help you discover what works best for you as an individual. Exploring new resources with a sense of curiosity can lead to meaningful and effective support.

When trying new ways to support your mental health, consider asking yourself:

• Do I feel safe and supported in this space?
• Do I feel even a little lighter after the interaction?
• Am I curious to learn more about what’s next or how this might help me?

If you can answer yes to these questions, there is a strong likelihood that you are moving in the right direction toward finding the support that best meets your needs.

Mental health support can vary greatly based on individual needs, but below are some options to consider:

• Support groups
• Individual counseling
• Mindfulness/breathing exercises
• Faith-based support
• Art therapy
• Journaling
• Exercise
• Paying attention to your sleep hygiene and nutrition
• Expanding/limiting your support system that will help support your needs

Mental health is not linear; it naturally includes peaks and valleys depending on life circumstances and the stressors you are experiencing. When we focus too heavily on “how we should be feeling,” it can create unrealistic expectations and limit our ability to fully explore and express our emotions. Allowing space for a range of feelings is an important part of maintaining and supporting overall mental well-being.

I often have conversations with survivors who are post-treatment and feel a sense of guilt for experiencing overwhelming emotions. In reality, these feelings have often been present all along. However, once treatment ends, the mind has more capacity and space to begin processing what the individual has just gone through.

These emotional responses are not a sign of weakness, but rather a natural and important part of healing and making sense of the experience.

Developing self-awareness of your emotions takes intentional practice and a willingness to stay present. Our minds naturally drift toward “what should have happened” or “what I still need to do,” making it easy to overlook checking in with ourselves.

Creating simple daily routines to pause and reflect on how your body and mind are responding to stress is a powerful first step. Consider asking yourself:

• Am I sleeping well?
  If not, are my thoughts or worries keeping me awake?
• Is my body holding any tension?
  Notice areas like your shoulders, jaw, or back.
• Am I reacting to daily stressors emotionally or logically?
  Am I pausing to respond thoughtfully, or reacting quickly based on feelings?

Taking a few moments each day to reflect on these questions can help you better understand your emotional state, recognize stress signals early, and respond with greater intention and balance.

Remember, this practice isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being present. Your WHOLE body deserves to be heard and understood to allow for healing.

By Samantha Kool, Certified Oncology Esthetician, Owner of SAVA Face and Body

What are the top three things that cancer patients and survivors should remember about their skin?

• Skin toxicities are very common with all types of cancer treatments.
• Sun sensitivity is often, but not always, permanent after cancer treatment. This makes UV protection essential at all times, not just during active treatment.
• The foundation of a sensitive skin care routine during and after treatment is to use CLEAN products to gently cleanse, hydrate, and protect, in addition to wearing sunscreen and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing and hats.

Why should cancer patients and survivors pay extra attention to their skin in the Summer?

Cancer and cancer treatments often compromise the condition of the skin and interrupt the protective functions of the skin barrier. In some instances, this can lead to long-term damage and conditions such as radiation recall (a skin flareup in an area previously treated with radiation) and others. Sun and heat can exacerbate these conditions. Sun protection is imperative to help the skin barrier function at an optimal level, preventing additional damage.

Should you care for your skin differently in summer if you are currently in treatment or completed treatment? 

 It differs from person to person. Usually while in treatment, your skin will be sensitized and reactive, which requires a very gentle, simple, and highly emollient protocol followed by SPF and UPF protections. Looking for a product line that is specifically oncology minded is a smart idea that takes much of the guesswork out of caring for your skin.

What little-known trick should we pay more attention to?

A UPF 50+ rated wide-brimmed hat and shirt are essential to protect your face, neck, scalp, and torso from the harmful rays of the sun. Keep your UPF items close to the door or in your car so don’t forget them!

Are there certain types of products patients and survivors should look for?

Oncology-minded product lines take the guessing out of skincare during and after cancer. There are several reputable companies with complete product lines for those in treatment and also for those who are no longer in treatment but still dealing with the effects of the treatment regimen. 

Any other tips patients and survivors should know?  

We know that cancer and cancer treatments will affect the skin on some level. The condition and health of the skin barrier before the treatment starts plays an important role in how well our skin will tolerate treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Onco-dermatologists and estheticians trained in oncology mindful skincare are important resources.

Survive & Thrive Conference 2026

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Survive & Thrive Conference, we honor the courage it takes to face cancer and the deep strength that grows from within. Each day builds renewed confidence and possibility – fortifying your roots with intentionality and resilience, strengthening the core to nurture strong growth, and thriving in full bloom with hope and purpose in the promise of what comes next.

This year’s keynote speaker is Simi Ranajee, Ph.D, a two-time lung cancer survivor, author, and healthcare industry leader, Simi has an inspiring and important message to share.

“I’m excited to be a part of Survive & Thrive Conference. I can’t wait to share my perspectives as someone who sees the full spectrum of the cancer experience – as a patient, a healthcare industry leader, and a survivor with diverse and enriching experiences that shaped me.” said Simi Ranajee.

This year’s theme offers an abundance of meaningful opportunities for anyone who has experienced cancer – patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

We will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Survive & Thrive with popular favorites and some new additions. Arrive early on Friday, starting at 3 pm, to enjoy engaging kickoff activities and enjoy new features this year, like a fashion show on Saturday.

Some of your most-loved sessions and activities are back, including the Cancer Tell All, nutrition, vendor market, and the delightfully fun Weekend Warrior Pajama party presented by KickIt Recovery Wear. It’s never too early to start thinking about your pajamas. KickIt Recovery Wear is offering 15% off when you use code TXO15.

Held in Georgetown, Texas, September 18-20, tickets are available for Sensational Saturday and Weekend Warrior.

• Sensational Saturday: Take part in all Saturday activities from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
• Weekend Warrior: Take part in the full weekend experience and exclusive benefits:

  – All Friday activities

  – All Saturday activities

  – Saturday Weekend Warrior Pajama Party

  – All Sunday activities

  – Welcome gift

Special ticket and hotel combination packages are available. Early-bird pricing is open until July 1.

Come be a part of this inspiring event that bridges the gap between cancer treatment and survivorship. Learn more and register.

The Foundation’s new Resilient Readers book club is off to a great start, and we invite you to join us.

Every other month, we gather virtually to discuss books that encourage reflection, spark inspiration, offer comfort, and open the door to meaningful conversation. Our selections span genres and perspectives, reminding us that resilience is shaped by many kinds of stories.

The Resilient Readers Book Club is a space to connect and enjoy reading in a new way – no pressure, no perfection – just community. Whether you’re in treatment, navigating survivorship, supporting a loved one, or caring for patients, you’ll find a circle that understands the complexity of the cancer experience while embracing the full spectrum of life beyond it.

The club is moderated by cancer survivor Cindy Trice. She “gets it” and brings empathy, humor, and lived experience to each discussion – creating a space where every voice is valued and every perspective matters.

“Resilient Readers book club is a no-pressure welcoming space where we can connect, reflect, and spend some time together,” said Cindy Trice, DVM, book club moderator and chief innovation officer at KickIt Recovery Wear. “If you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or even a healthcare provider, we welcome you to join and invite others. I can’t wait to read the next book with you.”

Take a little “me time” to settle in with our current read, and join a community that celebrates resiliency, courage, curiosity, and connection – one chapter at a time.

Join us! Learn more and register here or use the QR code below.