Some of Our Hardworking Members
Cancer Centers in the Area
Even though we don't have a cancer center in Vinton County, were you aware we have facilities to our north, south, east and west? Our residents have a variety of choices for treatment without having to travel a long distance! We will continue to try to keep you informed what these facilities offer through our Roundtables and posts.
O'Bleness Cancer Center Roundtable
O'Bleness Cancer Center Athens, Ohio
At our March 11, 2025 Roundtable we had a great visit from Deb Riley (Breast Cancer Navigator) and Jensyn Cousins (Oncology Social Work Navigator) from O'Bleness Cancer Center in Athens. They talked about the cancer treatments that are available at O'Bleness. O'Bleness is part of the Ohio Health Network which also includes the Bing Cancer Center at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. We learned that most standard treatments including chemotherapy and radiation can be done at their facility in Athens. They are an accredited facility. They said they are the "Best Kept Secret in Athens County." Many patients who have surgery in larger city facilities come there for the followup treatment. We learned that there are standardized treatment plans for most cancers. You would receive the same care plan at O'Bleness as you would at a larger facility. We learned that they have patient assistance programs to help patients get to appointments and have recently started support groups for both patients and caregivers that are open to anyone not just O'Bleness patients. Cathy Hart, who was born and raised in Vinton County, and is a cancer survivor came with Deb and Jensyn. Cathy shared the journey of her illness and treatment. Cathy had surgery in a larger city but did all of her subsequent treatment at O'Bleness. She praised the care and caregivers she had at O'Bleness and said she would not hesitate to recommend them. For many Vinton County Residents O'Bleness is the closest option for cancer care. Pictured are Deb Riley and Jensyn Cousins. Deb's email is Deb.Riley@OhioHealth.com Jensyn's email is Jensyn.Cousins@OhioHealth.com Both asked that anyone with questions please reach out to their email.
O'Bleness Cancer Center Athens
O'Bleness Cancer Center Athens
Chemicals that can increase the chance of Breast Cancer
Parabens and Phthalates
A study published in Chemosphere involved healthy female participants who eliminated personal care products containing parabens and phthalates for 28 days. Analysis of breast tissue samples before and after this period revealed a significant reversal of cancer-associated phenotypes, including changes in the PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway, autophagy, and apoptotic signaling networks.
These findings suggest that minimizing exposure to xenoestrogens - synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen - can potentially reduce breast cancer risk. Parabens and phthalates, often used as preservatives and fragrance enhancers in cosmetics and personal care products, are known xenoestrogens. By choosing products free from these chemicals, individuals may decrease the likelihood of developing cancer-related cellular changes.
Parabens and phthalates are industrial chemicals that can increase the risk of breast cancer. They are xenoestrogens, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen. High levels of estrogen exposure are a major risk factor for breast cancer.
How parabens and phthalates may increase breast cancer risk
· Estrogenic overstimulation
Parabens and phthalates can overstimulate estrogen receptors in breast tissue, which can be carcinogenic.
· Cellular changes
Exposure to parabens and phthalates can cause cellular changes that are associated with cancer.
How to reduce exposure to parabens and phthalates
- Use paraben- and phthalate-free personal care products
- Look for products labeled "paraben-free"
- Avoid products that list parabens as ingredients
Examples of products that contain parabens and phthalates
Shampoo, Deodorant, Lotion, Nail polish, Fragrances, Tampons, Hair spray, Air fresheners, Adhesives, and Paints.
THANK YOU MCARTHUR FIRE DEPARTMENT
A special THANK YOU to the McArthur Fire Department for the gracious use of their facilities for our meetings and roundtables!
Bink Fox Fishing for VCCRG Top Results.
Photos from our Bink Fox Fishing for VCCRG Tournament 2025. Thanks again to all of our sponsors, fishermen and fisherwomen and All of our supporters.
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Octoberfest Vendor Fair 2024 Thank You to All the Vendors, Patrons, Volunteers and Donors!
Hurricane Helene Relief
Some photos from our 2024 Bink Fox Fishing For Vinton County Cancer Research Tournament
Please Support Vinton County Cancer Research Group's Mission
Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for almost half of all new cancer cases in the United States. Lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly half of all cancer deaths. The cancer mortality rate is higher among men than women. Non-Hispanic black men have the highest rate of new cancer diagnoses for all cancers combined. 41.6 percent of Men will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime! This almost 1 out of 2 men. 39.6 percent of Women will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime! That's 1 out of every 3!