The Madison Health Cancer Center is an official member of The James Cancer Network for medical oncology services in London.  The James Cancer Network at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), provides quality oversight of medical oncology services at Madison Health Cancer Center in London.

To commemorate the affiliation with The James Cancer Network, Madison Health hosted an open house on Wednesday, April 15.  Distinguished guests from both facilities were on-site to speak about the importance of the partnership and availability of local cancer treatment.

“Today is an event that we are especially enthusiastic about,” said Mitchell Spahn, MD, Chairman of the Madison Health Board of Trustees.  “As we are gathered here, the word I keep hearing over again is that it’s exciting.”

Plans for the affiliation began more than a year ago as both organizations desired to work together to expand cancer education and research opportunities in combination with providing the highest quality cancer care for patients in the community.  The affiliation became official on March 1, 2015.

“Cancer is a scary word and when people hear a diagnosis, they sometimes only refer to it as the ‘c’ word,” Spahn continued.  “We feel that we have other words to remember.  Commitment, celebration, and now with our membership with The James Cancer Network, we have collaboration.”

Spahn also noted that with the advances in medical technology from the OSUCCC – James, another word can be added, cure. 

Michael Caligiuri, MD, Director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, gave insight into how far cancer treatment has come .

“About 30 years ago, there really wasn’t much in the way of treatment for a cancer diagnosis,” said Caligiuri.  “There were only four medications for all cancers and every treatment required an inpatient stay.  Today, we have 20 treatments for breast cancer alone and most everyone knows someone who has survived a cancer diagnosis.”

Caligiuri also noted that the affiliation between Madison Health and The James Cancer Network means that patients have the ability to stay local for their care, without compromising quality.

“We are making unbelievable progress through partnerships such as the one with Madison Health because each organization has something incredibly unique to offer,” he continued.  “Madison Health offers extraordinary patient care in a close-knit community.  At The James, our physicians specialize in just one type of cancer. This expert sub-specialization leads to more productive integration with cancer research and, ultimately, to better outcomes.”

Caligiuri noted that Madison Health’s collaboration with the OSUCCC – James means that the organization will have access to the most cutting-edge therapies available.

“Together, I believe that we are going to create a cancer-free world,” he added.

Sue McClelland, a volunteer at the Madison Health Cancer Center and breast cancer survivor, delivered a message that mirrored the organization’s claims.

“Each time I came to Madison Health, it was my choice.  I felt connected because I was always given good medical care by a professional staff that was always compassionate.”

Calling on her time as an associate pastor, McClelland encouraged each person to be full of blessings and offered one for Madison Health.

“May this place be full of courage, strength, sound decisions and creative thought.  May Madison Health be full of grace-filled healing, compassion and sacred hospitality for now and for always.”

To learn more about medical oncology services at Madison Health, please call 740-845-7280 or visit www.madison-health.com.