Mammograms Save Lives
In October, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are reminded to take care of our breast health by getting an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40. But does it matter where you go?
Simply put, yes it does. Statistics show the earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the survival rate. This is why it is important to get your mammogram at a facility where the radiologists read mammograms exclusively. All mammograms at the OSUCCC – James are read by radiologists who specialize in the detection of breast cancer. Complete screening and diagnostic services are available at The James, which operates the following mammography centers:
JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Center, 1145 Olentangy River Road |
JamesCare at University Hospital East, 1492 E. Broad St., second floor Radiology |
The Babe Zaharias Center, OSUCCC – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 300 W. 10th Ave., Doan Hall, Room 100 |
CarePoint Gahanna, 920 N. Hamilton Road |
JamesCare at Macy's, Easton Town Center, second floor of Macy's |
CarePoint Lewis Center, 6515 Pullman Drive |
JamesCare at Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza, 2050 Kenny Road, second floor Pavilion, Suite 2500 |
Stoneridge Medical Center, 4037 W. Dublin-Granville Road |
For information on scheduling a mammogram, contact 800-293-5123.
Pedal Power
In its third year, Pelotonia attracted more than 4,900 bike riders in August who had the same ideas in mind: to finish the ride, and to fight cancer through fundraising. With the community's support, 100 percent of every dollar raised by Pelotonia and its riders directly supports essential and innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. With our first two years of Pelotonia funding ($12.3 million), we have already:
- Established a Pelotonia Fellowship Program
- Awarded several "idea grants" to teams of scientists at the OSUCCC – James
- Issued "Team Science" grants to OSUCCC – James researchers
- Applied money to faculty recruitment and retention
Michael Caligiuri, MD, director of Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, is thrilled with the success of Pelotonia. "Funds raised by Pelotonia riders help Ohio State researchers — some of the world's brightest minds in cancer — understand, prevent and cure cancer right here in central Ohio. On behalf of the thousands of Ohio State researchers, oncologists, faculty and staff who work every day to bring us closer to a cancer-free world, thank you for riding, for volunteering and for donating to Pelotonia."
How Do Varicose Veins Develop?
The veins in your legs have valves that open to allow blood to flow back to your heart, and close to prevent the backward flow of blood. When these valves are damaged or defective, the blood flow reverses and pools in your legs. As the blood pools and the pressure increases, varicose veins develop. For many people, varicose veins are a cosmetic issue, but for others, they cause severe pain.
Don't Be Vein
Are you one of the 27 percent of Americans who have varicose veins? Varicose veins are the result of swollen or enlarged blood vessels due to a weakening in the vein's wall or valves. The longer that this goes on and the more pressure that develops, the larger the vein becomes. Located deeper in the skin than spider veins, varicose veins may appear raised and often are blue. There is a genetic tendency to develop varicose veins, but other factors such as pregnancy, obesity, trauma and occupations that require prolonged sitting or standing can be contributing factors.
Symptoms include aching, heaviness, fatigue, pain and swelling. And varicose veins can be associated with phlebitis (the development of inflammation of the vein), thromboses (when blood clots form in the enlarged vein) or venous stasis ulcers (formed when there is not proper drainage in the enlarged vein).
Ohio State's Division of Vascular Diseases and Surgery has a dedicated staff of doctors and nurses that focuses solely on the diagnosis and treatment of venous problems. We perform a number of minimally invasive procedures such as laser and radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy. Procedures take place at OSU Vascular Surgery and VeinSolutions,™ our outpatient office that is located at 4830 Knightsbridge Blvd.
For more information on making an appointment at the OSU Vascular Surgery and VeinSolutions office, contact 800-293-5123.
Screen time
Please call 800-293-5123 for information on scheduling an appointment for the free screening.
Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
Women, now is the time to encourage the men in your life to get a prostate screening: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but it is also the most curable if detected early. The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 310 W. 10th Ave., is offering free prostate screenings on-site Sept. 30.
The risk of prostate cancer is affected by age, family history, race and lifestyle. Annual screenings are recommended for men age 50 or older, age 45 or older for African-Americans or age 40 and older for those with a family history of prostate cancer.