Tag Archives: cancer

Know Your Gut: Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Early Detection

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., yet it’s also one of the most preventable. With early detection and lifestyle changes, you can dramatically lower your risk. Colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited, so, the most important step you can take is to stay on top of your screenings and reduce your risk factors.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your gut health and take charge of your future.

What Is Colorectal Cancer and Who’s at Risk?

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and often starts as small growths called polyps. Over time, some of those polyps can turn into cancer.

Who should start screening?

Everyone should begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.
Individuals with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, genetic conditions (like Lynch syndrome), or inflammatory bowel disease may need to start screening earlier.

What are the most common risk factors?

Age: Most cases occur in adults over 45.
Family history: A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps can increase your risk.
Personal history: Women with uterine polyps can have a higher risk for colorectal polyps.
Genetic conditions: Conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) raise the risk significantly.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes face a higher risk, even after accounting for shared factors like weight or inactivity.

If any of these apply to you, talk to your provider about starting screenings earlier or more frequently.

Change What You Can: Lifestyle Risk Factors

More than half of colorectal cancer cases are linked to lifestyle factors that you can control. By making healthy changes, you can lower your risk factors for colorectal cancer:

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk, especially for men. Losing even a small amount of weight can help.
Eat a healthier diet: Limit red and processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon, and focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cutting back on sugary drinks can also make a difference.
Stay active: Regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and improve overall health.
Quit smoking: Smoking isn’t just linked to lung cancer; it’s also a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. Quitting now can lower your risk over time.
Limit alcohol intake: Heavy drinking is associated with higher colorectal cancer risk. It’s best to avoid alcohol, but if you drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink per day for women or two for men.

Talk to Your Provider About Your Risk Factors

Are you over 45? Do you know your personal risk factors? The best time to take action is now. Talk to your MPCP provider to discuss when you should start screenings and how you can live healthier and lower your colorectal cancer risk.

Cervical Cancer Awareness: Why Early Detection and Advocacy Save Lives

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common and deadly cancers for American women. Thanks to advances in prevention and screening, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates have dropped significantly since the 1970s.

However, recent trends reveal a complex picture: rates are increasing in some age groups, and disparities persist. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to advocate for your health by staying informed, getting screened, and taking preventive action.

Cervical Cancer Trends: Progress and Challenges

Incidence Rates: Cervical cancer cases have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, largely due to widespread Pap testing. However, rates have stabilized in recent years, and for women ages 30–44, rates increased by 1.7% annually from 2012 to 2019.
HPV Vaccination Impact: Among women aged 20–24, rates have declined by 11% each year, showing the early effects of HPV vaccination.
Mortality Rates: Death rates have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, but disparities remain. Black and Native American women have cervical cancer death rates 65% higher than White women, underscoring the need for equitable access to care.

These numbers show that prevention works, but continued vigilance and action are essential.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early, often before symptoms develop. Pap tests detect precancerous changes, allowing providers to address them before they progress. For many women, the HPV vaccine adds an extra layer of protection, preventing the infections responsible for most cervical cancers.

Advocating for Your Health: What Every Generation Needs to Know

Prevention and early detection start with awareness and self-advocacy. Here’s what you should consider based on your age and risk factors:

Teens and Young Adults (Ages 9–26): Focus on Prevention
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given early, starting at age 9. If you or your children haven’t been vaccinated, it’s not too late. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of the vaccine for cancer prevention.
Women in Their 20s: Establish a Routine
Start regular Pap tests at age 21. These screenings are critical for detecting abnormal cells early. Consider discussing co-testing with HPV tests, which provides a more complete picture of your risk.
Women Ages 30 to 44: Practice Increased Vigilance
Cervical cancer rates are rising in this group, making consistent screening more important than ever. Ask your provider about personalized screening schedules based on your medical history.
Post-Menopausal Women: Keep the Conversation Going
Some women assume they can stop screening after menopause, but that’s not always the case. Talk to your provider about whether continued screenings are necessary based on your health history.

Addressing Health Disparities: Advocating for Equity

It’s vital to address the disparities that put some women at greater risk. Black and Native American women, in particular, face higher mortality rates. If you or a loved one has experienced barriers to screening or care, advocate for your needs. Speak openly with your provider, and don’t hesitate to seek support to ensure you receive this vital care.

Prevention Starts with You

Are you up to date on your Pap tests and HPV screenings?
Have you or your children received the HPV vaccine?
Do you know your family history and personal risk factors?

At Maryland Primary Care Physicians, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to your provider to discuss your risk factors and next steps—whether it’s scheduling a Pap test, getting the HPV vaccine, or reviewing your screening schedule.

Eating to Prevent Cancer

By: Patricia Jett, M.D.

Can you prevent cancer by watching what you put in your mouth? Researchers are discovering that eating certain foods – and avoiding others – can reduce your risk of getting certain types of cancer.

‘Good’ and ‘bad’ foods

People who eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans tend to get less cancer. That may be because those foods are high in antioxidants — chemicals that fight the cell damage that leads to cancer. Besides fresh produce, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables have many of the same important nutrients. Be mindful of canned goods, as they may contain more salt.

On the other hand, if you eat a lot of fat, sugar and refined carbs (like white bread), you’re more likely to gain weight and become obese. Obesity is linked to several types of cancer, so it’s important to keep your weight low. Try to limit your carb intake to < 30 grams per serving.

Are you at a healthy weight? Check your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Some healthy eating tips:

Try to eat at least 2 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables every day, and get a variety of types and colors. Be adventurous; try something new!
Choose whole-grain products, such as breads, pastas and brown rice, instead of those with refined grains. Quinoa anyone?
Avoid high-calorie processed foods and sugary beverages like soda, sweet tea, and juice-flavored drinks. Also watch those flavored waters – read your labels.
Reduce your intake of processed meats such as bacon, sausage, lunch meats and hot dogs.
Choose fish and poultry instead of red meat. If you eat red meat, choose lean cuts and smaller portions.
Try to drink at least 64 oz. of water a day.

Watch out for alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol is also linked to several types of cancer. All types — beer, wine, and spirits — seem to raise your chances. Limit yourself to one drink a day (1.5 oz. liquor, 5 oz wine, or 12 oz beer) if you’re a woman and two drinks a day if you’re a man.

Besides healthy eating, physical activity is important for reducing your cancer risk. Learn more from the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Patricia Jett is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and practices in MPCP’s Annapolis office. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her residency program in Family Practice at Franklin Square Hospital Center.

Colorectal Cancer is Common But Can Be Prevented

A Q&A with Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett

Q: What is colorectal cancer?

A: Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Most colon cancers develop first as polyps, which are abnormal growths that may later become cancerous.

Q: How common is colorectal cancer?

A: It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S. and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is expected to cause about 49,700 deaths this year.

Q: Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

A: People of different ages, genders and races can get colorectal cancer. However, the Mayo Clinic lists several factors that may put you at higher risk:

Age: Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
Race: African-Americans have a greater risk than people of other races.
Family history: You’re more likely to develop the cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with the disease.
Diet: People who eat diets low in fiber and high in fat and calories are at increased risk for colorectal cancer.
Sedentary lifestyle: If you’re inactive and don’t exercise, you’re more likely to develop the cancer.
Obesity: People who are obese are at increased risk. They are also more likely to die of the cancer.
Bad habits: People who smoke cigarettes or drink heavily may increase their risk.

Q: What can I do to help prevent colorectal cancer?

A: Since lifestyle is linked to colorectal cancer, improving your diet and getting more exercise can help reduce your risk. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of red meat and alcohol. And since obesity may increase your risk, it’s important to eat a diet that allows you to achieve a healthy body weight. Also, studies suggest that regular physical activity reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.

The good news is, when colorectal cancer is discovered early, it is highly treatable. The best way to do that is with a colonoscopy, a simple screening procedure that examines the inside of the colon and rectum, and removes polyps which may become cancerous. It is recommended you have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50 – at 45 for African-Americans ─ or every five years if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. Learn more about colonoscopies here.
If you’re under 50, make lifestyle changes now to reduce your risk. If you’re 50 or older, ask your doctor how to arrange a colonoscopy or any questions you have about colorectal cancer.

Dr. Ariel Warden-Jarrett is an MPCP partner and sees patients in the Bowie office. She received her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and completed her residency program in Family Medicine at Howard University Hospital. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.