Tag Archives: womens health

MPCP - A woman speaking to her doctor about cervical cancer

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. 

Cervical Cancer: Very Preventable

By: DELILAH MILLIGAN, CRNP

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for American women. Thanks to routine testing and vaccination, it is now largely preventable, but women of color still get and die from the disease at higher rates than other women.

Cause of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Most people’s immune systems fight off HPV with no problem. In 10%-20% of women, however, the virus survives and can cause cervical cancer.

Routine Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, as well as early stages of cancer, and the HPV vaccine is effective in preventing the disease. With this combination, cervical cancer rates and deaths have declined by 75% in recent years.

Racial disparities in cervical cancer
Despite this good news, women of color are twice as likely to get and die from cervical cancer than white women. Reasons for this include disparities experienced by some minority women:
• Economic barriers to gynecologic care. Low-income women are less likely to be able to access health care, including cervical cancer screening.
• Even when they get a Pap test, minority women have less access to follow-up care. This makes them more likely to get a late-stage diagnosis of cervical cancer when successful treatment is more difficult.
• Black women are the least likely of any racial group to get the HPV vaccine. Barriers include limitations in insurance coverage, lack of information about the value of the HPV vaccine, and mistrust of the health care system.

Symptoms of cervical cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer generally has no symptoms. Signs of more advanced cancer include:
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Reducing your risk of cervical cancer
• Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection can reduce your risk of cervical cancer. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is right for you.
• Routine Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, as well as catch cancer early when it’s treatable. Begin Pap tests at age 21 and repeat them every few years.
• Prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted infections by practicing safe sex, such as using a condom every time.
• Smoking has been linked to cervical cancer, so if you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.

Delilah Milligan, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing. She cares for patients in MPCP’s Glen Burnie office.

Racial Disparity in Breast Cancer

By: TRACY JANSEN, M.D.

Breast cancer rates among white women are higher than those for minority women, but black women are more likely to die from breast cancer. This article explains racial disparities in breast cancer and ways women can reduce their risk.

The basics of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a disease that causes cells in the breast to grow out of control. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S. (after skin cancer). Deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, but remain the second leading cause of cancer death among women overall and the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.

What puts you at risk

Your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. Some are lifestyle issues ‒ such as lack of exercise, obesity, and alcohol use ‒ but the two main factors are ones you can’t control: being a woman and getting older. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older. Your risk is also higher if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Differences in breast cancer by race

  • White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than black, Hispanic and Asian women.
  • Among older women, white women have higher rates of breast cancer compared to black women.
  • Black women are more likely to develop more aggressive, more advanced-stage breast cancer that is diagnosed at a young age.
  • Black women are more likely to have breast cancer diagnosed later when treatment options become limited and the survival rate is poor.
  • Genetic factors may make black women more susceptible to certain types of cancer.
  • Lifestyle factors – such as being overweight and not exercising – are linked to higher risk.
  • High rates of type 2 diabetes in black women may be a factor. Women who had been diagnosed with diabetes at least five years prior to their breast cancer diagnosis were almost twice as likely to die of the breast cancer.
  • Economic factors, such as lack of health insurance, limited access to medical care, and lack of access to nutritious foods, may contribute to higher cancer risk in minority women.
  • Women who don’t breastfeed are at higher risk. Breastfeeding rates are lower among blacks than whites.

While there may be some factors you can’t control, such as a family history of breast cancer, there are steps you can take to lower your risk, whatever your race:

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor about healthy ways to do this.
  • Be physically active. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly.
  • Limit alcohol. Limit yourself to no more than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.
  • Breast-feed. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
  • Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
  • Get screened. The American Cancer Society recommends women 45 to 54 get mammograms every year, and women 55 and older get them every one to two years.

Learn more about breast cancer and what you can do to lower your risk.

Tracy Jansen, M.D.Dr. Jansen is an MPCP partner and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She cares for patients at the Pasadena office.

Birth Control Methods – Pros and Cons

By Julie Henne-Reese, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner

There are many birth control methods to choose from, but they differ in ease of use, cost and effectiveness. Some are available over the counter while others require a prescription or a medical procedure. MPCP offers several products, including birth control pills, implants (Implanon and Nexaplanon) and IUDs (Mirena and Skyla).

The chart below lists some of the most effective birth control methods, with pros and cons for their use. The descriptions are only an overview and do not contain complete information. Talk to your medical provider about these and other methods to determine what works best for you.

Keep in mind, most birth control products don’t prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Your medical provider can advise you on how to stay safe.

Which Method is Right for You?

MethodEffectivenessFeaturesProsCons
Birth Control Implant99%Matchstick-sized rod that doctor places under the skin of woman's upper arm. Releases hormone to prevent pregnancyLasts 3-5 years. You don’t have to think about itMore expensive than other methods
IUD (Intrauterine Device)99%Placed inside the uterus to prevent conceptionLasts 5-10 years. Low maintenanceMore expensive, may cause irregular/heavy periods
Vasectomy99%For men. Doctor surgically closes the tubes that carry sperm from the testesDoes not affect ejaculationMay not be reversible, more expensive
Tubal Ligation99%Surgeon closes off the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from leaving the ovariesVery effectiveMay not be reversible, more expensive
Tubal Implants99%Doctor puts a small metal or silicone implant inside each fallopian tube, blocking them and preventing ovulation testVery effective, doesn’t require surgeryNot reversible, more expensive
Birth Control Shot97%Hormonal shot protects against pregnancy for three months. It is injected four times a yearSince you don’t have to think about it, is usually better than birth control pillsMore expensive. May cause spotting and other side effects
Birth Control Pill92%-95%Uses female hormones estrogen or progestin to prevent ovulationVery effective if used right. May cause more regular, lighter periods, or no periodsMay cause breast tenderness, spotting, blood clots and raised blood pressure
Vaginal Ring92%-95%Soft plastic ring goes inside the vagina. It releases the same hormones as the pill. A woman replaces it herself once a monthWorks as well as the pill. May cause lighter, more regular periodsMay cause vaginal irritation or other side effects similar to the pill
Male Condom84-89%Latex condom blocks sperm from entering the woman's bodyInexpensive. One of the few birth control methods to prevent sexually transmitted diseasesNot reusable. Effective only if used correctly every time
Diaphragm84-89%Rubber dome that a woman places over her cervix before sex. It is used with spermicideInexpensiveDoctor must initially fit it to ensure proper function
Cervical Cap84-89%Similar to a diaphragm but smaller. Slips into place over the cervix. Used with spermicideInexpensive, can stay in place for 48 hoursDoctor must initially fit it to ensure proper function
Birth Control Sponge84-89%Made of foam and contains spermicide. A woman can place it against her cervix up to 24 hours before sexEffective immediately. Works about as well as the cervical capCan be hard to put in

Julie Henne-Reese, CRNP

Julie Henne-Reese, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Family Practice. She sees patients in MPCP’s Queenstown office.