- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere’s good news and bad news when it comes to colorectal cancer. More people are surviving colon and rectal cancer, but adults are being diagnosed at younger ages, which is alarming. According to a just-released American Cancer Society report, one in five new cases are among people in their early 50s or younger. There also appears to be an overall shift to more diagnoses of advanced stages of cancer. Screenings are important because colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50. If you are at average risk, it is now recommended that you start screening at age 45. Getting a colonoscopy is not exactly fun, but there are now more convenient options. Types of Colorectal Screening Tests Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. These tests can be divided into two main groups, each with different risks and benefits: Stool-based tests: These tests check the stool for signs of cancer. These tests are less invasive and easier to have done, but they need to be done more often. Visual (structural) exams: These tests look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. This is done either with a scope (a tube-like instrument with a light and tiny video camera on the end) put into the rectum, or with special imaging (x-ray) tests. Stool-based Tests Stool-based tests are typically done at home, so many people find them easier than a colonoscopy. But, although these tests are easier to implement, they need to be done more often. If the result from a stool test is abnormal, a timely colonoscopy is required to check for cancer. The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. It is done once a year and requires a test kit that is received from your healthcare provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool, which is then returned in the test kit to the doctor or a lab where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. It is also done once a year in the same way as a gFOBT. The FIT-DNA test (also referred to as the stool DNA test) combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, where it is checked for altered DNA and for the presence of blood. It is done once every three years. The pros of stool-based tests: Stool sample collection can be done at home. There’s no need to empty the colon ahead of time. There’s no need for sedation. The cons of stool-based tests: Stool-based tests are less sensitive than colonoscopy at detecting precancerous polyps. If abnormalities are found, additional tests might be needed. The tests can suggest an abnormality when none is present (false-positive result). Visual (Structural) Exams A colonoscopy is an example of a visual exam for colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to detect changes or abnormalities inside the entire colon. Colonoscopy takes about 30 to 60 minutes and screening is generally repeated every ten years if no abnormalities are found and you don’t have an increased risk of colon cancer. Pros: Colonoscopy is one of the most sensitive tests currently available for colon cancer screening. The doctor can view your entire colon and rectum. Abnormal tissue, such as polyps, and tissue samples (biopsies) can be removed through the scope during the exam. Cons: The exam might not detect all small polyps and cancers. A thorough cleansing of the colon is required before the test. Diet changes are needed before the test, and medications may need to be adjusted. Sedation is almost always used, and it can take several hours to wear off. Because of the sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Rare complications may include a tear in the colon or rectum wall. Cramping or bloating might occur afterward. The Bottom Line You have options when choosing a colon cancer screening test. Talk to your doctor about which choice is best for you based on your personal risk factors. Keep in mind that the earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Author A. Steven Fleisher, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), a nationally recognized health system serving the Annapolis region for more than 120 years, has received the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Recognition Award for demonstrating continued best practices in respiratory care. “We are honored to be among an elite group of acute care hospitals in the nation receiving this prestigious award,” said Lenny Nyangwara, director of pulmonary and volunteer services at LHAAMC. “This recognition highlights the exemplary work of our respiratory therapists, leaders, hospital executives and other members of the patient care team who work hard each day to deliver high-quality care.” The AARC Apex Recognition Award was developed in 2017 as a way to recognize respiratory care departments and educational programs who have met the stringent quality, clinical practice or educational program criteria of the award. Twenty-nine organizations from across the U.S. were recognized, this is the third consecutive time LHAAMC has received this award. “Respiratory care departments dedicate themselves to delivering excellent care of patients everywhere. They are a vital component to a patient’s care team, making a positive impact for the quality of patient care,” said AARC President Carl Hinkson. “Earning the Apex Recognition award is a tremendous honor. It shows how these teams reach high standards and bring their specialized skills to their healthcare colleagues. Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Apex Recognition Award recipients.” The AARC is dedicated to supporting the respiratory care profession. The award program distinguishes organizations for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction and quality improvement. The Apex Recognition Award includes five categories for recognition: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment companies, educational programs and dedicated transport teams.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMany of us have visited an urgent care clinic for a cut finger or flu-like symptoms. Urgent care centers are convenient because you typically don’t need an appointment. What may be new to you is the idea of walk-in behavioral health urgent care. To help address the mental health crisis in this country, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center now offers behavioral health urgent care in its new Behavioral Health Pavilion (8200 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD 20706). The Behavioral Health Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic for the treatment of non-life-threatening behavioral health (mental health and substance use) needs. The clinic focuses on the treatment of behavioral health symptoms in patients ages four and older—this may include assessment for behavioral health treatment or safety, initiation of medication for mild to moderate mental health symptoms or referral to behavioral health services and resources. When Is It Appropriate to Visit the ER vs. Behavioral Health Urgent Care? The Behavioral Health Urgent Care provides the community with an additional layer of behavioral health support and—when appropriate—serves as an alternative to the emergency room (ER) for mental health evaluation and treatment. An ER should still be utilized in cases of: A suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts with the intention of hurting oneself. Self-harm that requires medical treatment. Active psychosis or behaviors that are causing aggression, agitation, or paranoia. Side effects from medication. Any unsafe behaviors. Active overdose. Uncontrolled mania. What to Expect as a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Patient After registering and completing intake forms upon arrival at the Behavioral Health Urgent Care, patients are escorted to a secure area to safely store any personal effects or valuables. They are then greeted by a registered nurse who will take the patient’s vital signs and obtain a brief history of symptoms, medications and any other pertinent information. Patients then speak with a licensed mental health clinician or psychiatric nurse practitioner for clinical evaluation. The team of providers answers any patient questions and makes recommendations for follow-up care. Treatment depends on the determined need after the initial assessment is made. Patients may be provided a prescription for medication, a follow-up appointment for therapy, medication management for on-going support or other clinically appropriate referrals. Behavioral Health Urgent Care patients may be referred to community providers or they may also continue to receive services at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Pavilion, where ongoing support services are provided including: Individual and intensive group therapy. Medication management. Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization (coming soon!). Residential treatment of substance use disorders (coming soon!). The Luminis Health DCMC Behavioral Health Urgent Care is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Future plans include expanding clinic services to seven days a week. Author Aliya Jones, MD, serves as the Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe C-word no one wants to hear is cancer. Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly preventable thanks to the HPV vaccine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there has been a significant drop in the number of young people receiving the HPV vaccine. January is cervical cancer awareness month, and it’s a good opportunity to learn about screenings and vaccinations. What is Cervical Cancer? It is cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. We know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes changes in cells that lead to this type of cancer. Many women do not experience symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer, which is why screening is so important. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include: Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or back Pelvic pressure Difficult urination Difficult bowel movements Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including in between periods Common treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. What Are Your Options? The HPV vaccine protects people from the types of HPV that usually cause cancer. But the key is to get the vaccine before there’s a chance of being exposed to HPV. Children can get the HPV vaccine as early as age 9, but most providers recommend it for preteens ages 11–12. We suggest that people younger than 26 get the vaccine if they haven’t had it already. Your provider can help you know if and when the vaccine is right for you. Providers have safely administered the HPV vaccine to young women for more than a decade. Schedule Regular Cervical Cancer Screenings Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, women should plan on screenings. There are two main screening tests—the more well-known Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for cells on the cervix that may become cancer. The HPV test looks for signs of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer. If you have a cervix, we recommend getting your first Pap test at age 21. Consult with your gynecologist regarding specific screening recommendations that are right for you. You may need screenings more often if the test results are abnormal or you’re at a higher risk of cancer. When cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 92%. With it being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, make it a priority to get a routine screening, and if you haven’t already, make sure your children receive the HPV vaccine. It can save their life. Author Nicholas C. Lambrou, MD, FACOG, FACS, is the chief of gynecologic oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lambrou’s areas of interest include the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, cancer prevention strategies and advanced gynecologic surgery.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is honored to be designated as a CEO Connection 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Champion for its dedication to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). The award recognizes Mid-Market companies that are influencing change, innovation and standards for excellence, while making equal opportunity in their companies and communities a way of life not just a slogan. “This recognition reinforces Luminis Health’s commitment to lead as an anti-racist organization, eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes for all people in the communities we serve,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “With our ten strategic recommendations from our Health Equity and Anti-Racism Task (HEART) Force, we are steadfast in confronting racism, addressing the impacts of systemic inequity and dismantling structural injustice.” The award-winning companies have been evaluated based on their results in the following areas: Board Diversity, C-Suite Diversity, Supply Chain Diversity, Workforce Diversity and Community Engagement. Based on their scores, the companies have been awarded the following levels of achievement: Economic Justice Champions, Economic Justice Advocates, Economic Justice Engaged. “When we embrace diversity and include those left out or marginalized, we not only set an example for all to see, we give hope to those who often have none. As business leaders, we have the opportunity to impact not only the businesses we lead but also the communities in which we live and work. The 2023 Mid-Market Economic Justice Award winners set an amazing example for others,” says Kenneth Beck, CEO of CEO Connection, “and they do it because it is the RIGHT thing to do, not just because it makes good business sense.” Luminis Health’s HEART Force, a multidisciplinary group made up of members of the board of trustees, senior leaders, medical staff, community partners and stakeholders, developed recommendations that are now embedded in the ten year strategic plan for Luminis Health. The HEART Force’s recommendations are structured by three major categories: Lead as an anti-racist organization, and confront racism and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. “Through the work and dedication of our HEART Force, JEDI Council, Inclusion Groups and overall JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) initiatives, Luminis Health is now a majority minority organization – with more than half the workforce represented by ethnically and racially diverse team members. In addition, 50 percent of our Luminis Health board of trustees and executive leadership are women and 42 percent are diverse,” said Tamiko Stanley, chief diversity equity and inclusion officer for Luminis Health. “While we are proud of our progress, and we do take brief pauses to appreciate the advancement of our journey, we are fully aware that there is more work to be done. We remain steadfast in our commitment to become a national model in our JEDI journey.” The complete list of the Economic Justice winners can be found here.
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