Tag Archives: screenings

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.

Protect Your Vision: Understanding and Managing Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. It damages blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. As high blood sugar levels cause these blood vessels to swell, leak, or become blocked, vision may be disrupted, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Why Annual Eye Screenings Are Crucial

Diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes occur, the disease may be advanced. Comprehensive, yearly dilated eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent or slow disease progression.

The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Stage 1: Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

Early Stage: Many people with diabetes experience this stage, which occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina leak and cause swelling.
Macular Edema: If the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision) swells, it can lead to vision loss. This is the most common cause of vision problems in diabetic patients.

Stage 2: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

- Advanced Stage: The retina starts to grow new, fragile blood vessels.
- Vision Risks: These new vessels often bleed into the vitreous (gel-like center of the eye), leading to floaters or even total vision obstruction.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone with diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, or gestational—can develop diabetic retinopathy. Risk factors include:

Duration of Diabetes: The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk
Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: High levels over time increase complications
High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: These can exacerbate the damage to blood vessels
Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes increases risk
Tobacco Use: Smoking accelerates disease progression

Manage Your Diabetes to Lower Risk

Effective diabetes management can reduce your risk of developing or worsening retinopathy:

Stay Active: Regular exercise can help control blood sugar
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Take Prescribed Medications: Follow your doctor’s guidance for insulin or other treatments

Take Charge of Your Vision Health

Annual diabetic retinopathy screenings are a key component of diabetes care, offering early detection of eye changes before symptoms arise. This simple, painless process includes administering eye drops to dilate your pupils and allowing your doctor to examine the retina for signs of leaking or abnormal blood vessels. Routine screenings can prevent vision loss through timely intervention, making them a vital part of managing your diabetes.

Convenient Screenings at MPCP

Maryland Primary Care Physicians (MPCP) offers in-office diabetic retinopathy screenings, making it easier to integrate proactive eye care into your diabetes management. Our approach provides:

Convenience: No need for separate appointments at external clinics.
Comprehensive Care: Screenings are seamlessly incorporated into our patient-centered diabetes care plan.
Proactive Health Monitoring: Detecting potential complications early allows for personalized care tailored to your needs.

Take control of your eye health today. Visit your patient portal to schedule your diabetic retinopathy screening at MPCP and protect your vision with compassionate, coordinated care designed to support your overall wellness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Let’s Talk About Early Detection

October is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, supporting those affected by breast cancer, and encouraging regular screenings for early detection.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, affecting one in eight women in their lifetime. Did you know men can develop breast cancer, too?

Everyone—regardless of gender—should know their risk factors and talk to their MPCP provider if they notice any unusual changes.

Who’s At Risk of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer risk is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from age and genetics to lifestyle choices. Understanding these risk factors can help make informed health decisions and engage in preventive care.

Age: Especially for women over 50.
Family History: Includes genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Breast Tissue Density: Dense breast tissue can be a contributing factor.
Reproductive History: Early menstruation, having children later in life, or not having children.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, carrying excess weight, and lack of physical activity.

Regular Mammograms and Screenings Matter

Regular screenings are the best way to catch breast cancer early—before it has a chance to spread and when it’s most treatable. Experts recommend starting annual mammograms at age 40.

Mammograms can detect small changes in breast tissue long before symptoms appear, giving you more treatment options and a better chance of successful outcomes.

Can Men Be Affected by Breast Cancer?

While breast cancer in men is rare, it’s still something to keep in mind. Men with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic conditions should talk to their MPCP provider about their risk and whether screening makes sense for them.

Make Breast Health a Priority

This month, take a moment to prioritize your health or remind someone you care about to do the same. If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule your screening today. Early detection saves lives. Have concerns or questions about your risk factors? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your MPCP provider.