Pelotonia is an emotional rollercoaster filled with special moments, connections, community and lots of memories. In this new episode, David Cohn, MD, joins Steve as co-host. Dave is the interim chief executive director of the James, has ridden in every Pelotonia, and has a lot of memories. “It’s truly an emotional experience and I’m not hesitant to say I’ve cried at every Pelotonia at some point,” he said. We’ll also hear from five other James physicians who participate in Pelotonia. Tim Pawlik came to Ohio State and the James a few weeks before a Pelotonia ride, and “I was blown away … the number of people riding and the number of people supporting the ride and the number of people along the side of the road.” Eric Singer is brand new at the James, recruited from a cancer hospital in New Jersey. However, the urologist knew about Pelotonia from one of his patients, a New Jersey man who rode ever year in Pelotonia. Joel Mayerson, an orthopedic oncologist, said his favorite memories are riding with patients. “It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. Samantha Jaglowski was treated for a brain tumor and has some related physical issues that prevent her from riding. Instead, over the years, she has been a volunteer and a Challenger, raising money for Pelotonia. Mary Dillhoff has a rather unique way to cover the Pelotonia course: she runs. As much as 72 miles.

Episode 143: My Favorite Pelotonia Memory, Featuring Six James Physicians

Knowing your family’s medical history is important and can save lives. “When we think of family history in terms of cancer genetics [and inherited genetic mutations], we think about a broad spectrum of relatives, more than just your parents and siblings,” said Leigha Senter, MS, CGC, a James licensed genetic counselor. “We ask about grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and that can inform us about how likely you have a hereditary predisposition for cancer.” Ohio State and the James have one of the largest and most advanced genetic counseling programs in the country. “We have 12 genetic counselors on the faculty supporting the cancer program and we have genetic counselors who specialize in specific types of cancer,” Senter said. In this episode, Senter discusses the two most common types of inherited genetic mutations that increase the cancer risk: the Breast Cancer gene (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that increases the risk of breast cancer as well as ovarian, pancreas and prostate cancer; and Lynch Syndrome, which increases the risk of colorectal cancer as well as uterine cancer. “The average woman has a 12 percent chance over the course of their lifetime of developing breast cancer,” Senter said. “Those with [BRCA1 and BRCA2] have anywhere from a 50 to 80 percent chance.” Uncovering inherited genetic mutations leads to earlier and more frequent screenings that can detect cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. In the case of patients with Lynch Syndrome, earlier and more frequent colonoscopies “can actually prevent a cancer from happening,” Senter said. Cascade testing is one of Senter’s specialties. “Someone in every family is always the first to test positive for an inherited genetic mutation,” she said. “The next step is to help them share this information with as many family members as possible. This is cascade testing and is where are real potential to help people is.”

Episode 160: Understanding Genetics and the Cancer Risk, with Leigha Senter

In the premier episode of The James Cancer-Free World Podcast, we talk with a cancer detective: Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD. He’ll explain how breakthroughs in genetic coding now allow doctors to detect and target the mutations causing a patient’s cancer … and, in many cases, bring patients back from the brink.

Episode 1: Precision Cancer Medicine with Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury

Join us on The James Cancer-Free World Podcast as we talk to the top scientists and doctors at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). They’ll discuss – in easy-to-understand language – all the cutting-edge cancer research going on at Ohio State and how this is improving patient care and ultimately saving lives.

About the OSUCCC – James:
The OSUCCC – James strives to create a cancer-free world by integrating scientific research with excellence in education and patient-centered care, a strategy that leads to better methods of prevention, detection and treatment. Since 1976, the OSUCCC – James has been a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. As the cancer program’s adult patient-care component, The James is one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and has achieved Magnet ® designation, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice.

Episode 160: Understanding Genetics and the Cancer Risk, with Leigha Senter

The James Cancer-Free World Podcast

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