COLUMNS

The picture that can save a life

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The National Cancer Institute and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network have just launched the first ever large-scale study to compare the value of digital vs. film-based mammography in the detection of breast cancer. Over the next few years, physicians will screen almost 50,000 women in the United States and Canada, and the results will hopefully answer the question before all of us: Is digital mammography any better?

The companies that manufacture digital units would have us believe it is. GE Medical Systems, which built the first unit approved by the Food and Drug Administration, suggests that digital systems offer increased accuracy, streamlined exam times, fewer call-backs for a second look at potential trouble spots, and easy and efficient image storage. Radiologists and cancer specialists are naturally interested. Several months ago, the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, along with several dozen other cancer centers around the country, acquired a system and immediately put it to work -- right alongside our other film-based systems.

Patients don't seem to notice any difference. The units look almost the same; and the procedure itself is similar to what you may be used to. The breast still has to be flattened against a plate; the technician is nearby to help you, and it can still be a bit uncomfortable. But that's where the similarity ends. Digital images are virtually instantaneous. They are bright, crisp and clear. Digital's stronger resolution and contrast give clinicians a more definitive look at the skin line around the breast tissue, and some radiologists believe it helps them"see" irregularities in dense breast tissue more clearly. Additionally, because the images are digital and shown on a large computer monitor, we are able to manipulate and magnify potential trouble spots for a closer look. In addition, the digital system does appear to eliminate the need for many return visits. With film-based mammography, if we noted an irregularity on a routine screening film, we would typically ask the patient to make another trip in for a more thorough exam. With digital systems, we capture all the information we need the first time around.

Despite all these benefits, there is no study to date that shows that digital mammography is any better than the traditional system in terms of detecting breast cancer. We certainly don't want any of our patients believing digital mammography is in any way better at doing its job than the"old-fashioned" film method. We simply don't know that yet, and we are depending on data from new studies to help us find the answer.

One thing is certain, however: Mammography, no matter how it is done, is still a woman's first and best defense in the fight against breast cancer. We know that the vast majority of women -- over 90 percent -- can be cured of their cancer if the tumor is found early enough. Mammography helps find those tumors. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Why not take a moment to check your calendar and see if you can find time to visit your nearest mammography center?

Enrich life by celebrating differences

Four weeks ago on Sept. 11, 2001, the United States experienced events that will forever change our country in ways that, at this time, we can only speculate. The unfathomable terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania caused tragic deaths and injuries to thousands of innocent people. These events also produced lasting pain for hundreds of thousands of other people. In one way or another, every member of the College of Education was affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the crash in the field in Pennsylvania. I know the rest of our campus colleagues also were deeply moved.

While we do not know the full range of changes and challenges that together we face, clearly the necessity to re-calibrate and re-commit to upholding those truths and values that are the core of our country are indicated.

Donna Evans is dean of the College of Education

We in the College of Education have chosen a special and important mission. The important work that we do has an impact that shapes the lives and thinking of children and young adults, and thus future leaders in many parts of our country and in the world. We are members of a global community with privilege and opportunity to influence the direction of future generations. As educators, we can and should provide leadership in the struggle for peace at home as well as globally.

The College of Education, as part of a University team effort, has a long and proud tradition of study and work in a richly diverse environment. I sincerely believe that our college is enriched by our diverse backgrounds, beliefs and traditions.

We are asking the Ohio State University community to please join us as we re-dedicate ourselves in making a special effort to enrich our teaching, research and learning by continuing to respect each other and celebrate our different viewpoints. We can tolerate no less than kindness and respect from others or ourselves. The College of Education is committed to remaining a safe and comfortable place for all of its students, staff and faculty to work and study.

The Ohio State University is committed to an inclusive, richly diverse community. President Brit Kirwan in a recent statement reminded us,"As an institution that cherishes diversity and fosters a sense of community, we must be vigilant in our efforts to resist any manifestation whatsoever of stereotyping."

Our thoughts, concerns and prayers are with all Ohio State staff, faculty and students during this difficult time in our country's history.

Peace. Freide. Heiwa. He ping. Meeray. Paix. Paz. Pyoung hwa. Salaam. Shalom. Amani.