Pilot Study Shows Even Short-Term Vaping Causes Inflammation in Non-Smokers
E-cigarette (e-cig) use is rising at concerning levels among both smokers and non-smokers, and new research data suggests that even short-term e-cig use can cause cellular inflammation in never-smoker adults.
Researchers at the OSUCCC – James reported the first evidence of biological changes correlated with e-cig use in never-smokers in the journal Cancer Prevention Research on Oct. 16. Peter Shields, MD, deputy director of the OSUCCC, was senior author of the study.
“The implication of this study is that longer-term use, increased daily use, and the addition of flavors and nicotine may promote additional inflammation,” says Shields. “The general perception among the public is that e-cigs are ‘safer’ than cigarettes. The reality is the industry is changing so fast — and with minimal regulation — that usage is outpacing the rate of our scientific understanding. It’s becoming a public health crisis we should all take very seriously from a general pulmonary health, cancer risk and addiction perspective. E-cigs may be safer than smoking, but that is not the same as safe, and we need to know how unsafe they are.”
OSUCCC – James Earns Two National Awards for Excellence in Patient Care
The OSUCCC – James has earned two national awards for excellence in patient care delivery from Press Ganey, a health care performance improvement organization that works with more than 41,000 health care facilities to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.
This is the fourth consecutive year The James has received the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award. The award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have achieved the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient experience and is a nationally recognized symbol of achievement in health care. In addition, The James has received the 2019 Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Award. This honor is given to top-three performing organizations in each award category.
New Grant Aims to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening, Follow-Up Care in Appalachia
Cancer-control researchers at the OSUCCC – James and the University of Kentucky aim to increase colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care among underserved individuals in Appalachia through a multi-institutional $5.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute.
Co-led by Electra Paskett, PhD, MSPH, associate director for population science and co-leader of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, and Mark Dignan, PhD, MPH, co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the University of Kentucky, this study will involve public health partners throughout Appalachia, a geographically unique and underserved area of the United States that spans 32 counties in Ohio and 54 counties in Kentucky.
“Rates of colorectal cancer incidence and related mortality in Appalachia are among the highest in the United States, and far too many people in this region do not receive potentially life-saving colorectal cancer screening. This is not a new problem, but it persists due to a combination of complicated factors, including less access to health care and other resources. This limits the availability of community health centers and providers who play a key role in recommending appropriate screenings and health care services,” says Paskett. “Many know these disparities exist, yet the problem has persisted for decades, and this needs to change.”