- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHere’s some food for thought: Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk for many types of cancer. Obesity can also lead to a higher rate of cancer recurrence and a lower likelihood of survival. While this might be surprising news, it’s important to realize the reasons why, and with the help of Luminis Health Surgical Oncologist Dr. Naeem A. Newman, know how you can decrease your risk of developing cancer. Which cancers are associated with obesity? The 13 types of cancer for which obesity is known to increase the risk are: Breast cancer (in postmenopausal women) Multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell Meningioma, a type of brain cancer Cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum, uterus, gallbladder, upper stomach, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas and thyroid The risk of getting cancer increases with the more excess weight a person has and the longer they are overweight. Experts believe being obese increases that risk largely due to the inflammation caused by the fat that surrounds your vital organs. This excess fat affects certain processes in the body, including how it manages hormones like insulin—the hormone that regulates blood sugar—and estrogen. How does inflammation cause damage? Inflammation caused by obesity can keep the body from properly responding to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. When the body doesn’t respond to insulin correctly, it produces more insulin to make up for that. The increase in insulin due to insulin resistance triggers an increase in the number of cells produced, which can lead to cancer. Increased insulin also affects how hormones like estrogen are controlled. More insulin can lead to more available estrogen, which also increases the risk for cancer. What’s wrong with excess estrogen? Estrogen is necessary for the body to function: In women, the ovaries are the main source of estrogen. In men, an enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen. Fat cells in both men and women can also make estrogen, which is why too much estrogen is often seen in obese people. In a nutshell, higher estrogen levels lead to increased cell production, which could result in the growth of a tumor. What is a healthy weight? Body mass index (BMI) is used as a screening tool for being overweight and obese. BMI is calculated using a ratio of a person’s weight in proportion to height. BMI calculators are readily available online. Adults with a BMI from 25.0 to 29.9 are considered overweight. A person with a BMI that is 30.0 or higher is considered obese. It’s estimated that about 21% of all cancers that are linked to obesity could be prevented if the American adult population had a BMI of less than 25. What you can do There are steps you can take to prevent obesity: Keep moving—Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. Eat healthy—Fill at least two thirds of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes (beans and peas), and a third or less with protein. Evidence shows that exercise combined with healthy eating results in greater weight loss and the greatest impact on reducing inflammation in your body. Limit alcohol—Women should limit themselves to one alcoholic drink per day and men to two. Get plenty of rest—Fatigue can make you want to eat more and increases the chances of making unhealthy choices. When it comes to cancer, there are some risks we can’t control, but when we know more about the risks we can control, it gives us one more reason to make healthy choices. If you are interested in losing weight, create a weight loss plan with your doctor that works for you. Author Naeem A. Newman, MD, is a surgical oncologist/general surgeon at Luminis Health. He is dedicated to a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to cancer care.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s impossible to separate Thanksgiving from the turkey, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. The big feast can be full of fats and calories, but celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite dishes. Some small tweaks can make a big difference. Let’s talk turkey The bird is the main dish so try these healthier tips: Choose a fresh bird rather than processed meat Roast the turkey in its own juices. Don’t deep fry Avoid butter; use cooking sprays instead Apply fresh herbs for seasoning to help reduce the amount of salt Eat white meat which is lower in calories and fat. Skip the dark meat in the thighs and legs Don’t eat the skin Fewer calories, more nutrients Since fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fill half your plate with them. That can be easier said than done, so try for example, boosting the nutrition of your stuffing by adding celery, mushrooms, apples or cranberries. Mashed potatoes are another must-have on Thanksgiving, but typically have added butter and cream, increasing the amount of fat in an already starchy vegetable. Try using skim milk, light sour cream or Greek yogurt. Go a step further and mix some riced cauliflower with the mashed potatoes to lower the carbohydrate and sugar count. When making gravy, avoid the flour. Instead, make it with reduced-fat chicken broth or turkey stock. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants. But on Thanksgiving, many of us spruce it up with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. For a simple substitute for sugar, try plant based zero calorie sweeteners such as Stevia or Truvia. Green bean casserole is another popular side dish that is often topped with fried onions and made with condensed cream of mushroom soup, both of which add fats, carbohydrates and sodium to the very nutritious green bean. This year, keep it simple and just roast or steam fresh green beans. Tasty treats Take a break before dessert. A short walk will do you a lot of good. When whipping up your favorite baked goods or pie, you can decrease the amount of sugar in any recipe by 25 percent without compromising flavor. You can also use unsweetened applesauce in place of sugar in baking recipes. Replace the sugar with applesauce in a one-to-one ratio: For example, one cup of sugar would be replaced with one cup of applesauce. Sugar can exact a significant toll on our health when consumed excessively. Luminis Health sees the resulting effect in our medical practices with a 1-2 percent drop in diabetic control each year in January. When making pies, hold the crust. It’s full of fat and calories. If you must have crust, use one layer rather than on the bottom and top. For pumpkin pie lovers, you will be happy to learn pumpkin is one of nature’s season superfoods. Pumpkin is heart healthy. It’s rich in potassium, which can help regulate your blood sugar, and rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants—all of which help prevent heart disease. In addition, pumpkin can: improve your vision because it’s rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps you see more clearly in low light. lower your cancer risk with its jam-packed combination of cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants. boost your immunity with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, folate and iron, all of which help your body be more effective at fighting off germs. leave you feeling full for longer because it’s high in fiber. Other Reminders Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adding extra calories with alcohol, soda or juices isn’t worth it when you have so many tasty food options to put on your plate. Remember that Thanksgiving is only once a year, so enjoy your favorite family dishes while following portion size control and keeping leftovers to a minimum.
- General Page Tier 3BlogThe temptation of sugary delights becomes almost irresistible during the holidays. While sugar is an integral part of traditions, it can exact a significant toll on our health when consumed excessively. We see the resulting effect in our medical practices with a 1-2 percent drop in diabetic control each year in January. If you have a chronic health condition or are working to improve your health, having a strategy to approach the holiday season is key to your success. Americans are eating and drinking more added sugar than recommended according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excess added sugar in our diet increases the risk for weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. As we enter a sugar-conscious holiday season, moderation can pave the way for a celebration of joy and tradition, with enhanced well-being. Here are some recommendations: Mindful Drink Choices: Sugar-sweetened beverages are the top source of added sugar for the U.S. population – this is a great place to cut back. While water is always the best choice, there are many sugar-free and low-sugar beverages available. Plus, it’s easy for our bodies to confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to overeating. Amidst the array of cocktails, sodas and sweetened drinks this season, try a glass of sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice or a squeeze of lemon. Creative Substitutes: Reduce the amount of sugar in your desserts by replacing it with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or dates. These alternatives introduce sweetness and distinct flavors to your sweet dishes. Experiment by sautéing apples with cinnamon and honey for a healthy take on a seasonal treat.When baking, Colleen Kiley, lead diabetes educator at Luminis Health notes “You can lower the sugar amount in any recipe by 25 percent without a noticeable taste change. For example, you can reduce one cup of sugar to three-fourths cup.” Cinnamon in Coffee: To infuse your morning coffee with a festive essence, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon instead of traditional sweeteners. Allison Maurer, registered dietitian at Luminis Health, shares more tips to reduce sugar in caffeinated drinks here. Adding Fruit: Include fruit in baked goods and drinks when appropriate to add natural sweetener and increase nutritional value. For example, when crafting cocktails and mocktails, try using muddled fruit or seltzers rather than sugary mixers and syrups. Thoughtful Gift-Giving: Be a conscientious gift giver, especially if you are known for your holiday treats. Consider reducing the portions you generously give out to friends, family and co-workers. Smaller portions can help others savor the flavors while being mindful of their health.Another option is to get creative with gifts. For example, consider sharing festive cheer with candles, potted plants, or seasonal fruits like figs, pomegranates and clementines. It’s a thoughtful gesture that embodies the joy of giving with the consideration of wellbeing. Don’t forget to prioritize exercise and movement. Planning activities with family and friends is a great way to maintain your health and spend time together. Create new holiday traditions, such as a family walk, or sign up for seasonal events like a turkey trot or other organized activities to stay active this season. Holidays are a time of indulgence, but they don’t have to mean sacrificing your health. By making these mindful swaps and taking a balanced approach, you can embrace the season without compromising your well-being. Author Dr. Andrew McGlone is the executive medical director of Luminis Health Primary Care and Population Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to announce it has received our tenth consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for providing patients with exceptional, safe care. According to Leapfrog, the non-profit hospital in Annapolis is one of 152 hospitals nationwide, and the only one in Maryland, to maintain a consistent ‘A’ rating for every grading period since 2018. In response to this outstanding accomplishment, LHAAMC President Sherry Perkins expressed deep gratitude to the entire team. “Exceptional quality and safety are only achieved through the knowledge and caring of our teams in every role – our physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers. We work around the clock to earn the trust of patients, families and all members of our community for their care. To receive an ‘A’ grade for patient safety consistently is a testament to our team and the community partnerships we treasure. Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that drive quality, safety and accountability in all aspects of our operations. Our commitment to patient safety is ingrained in our organizational culture, evident through our regular safety meetings, patient rounds, educational initiatives for clinical staff, and the invaluable insights we gain directly from our patients. We maintain close collaboration with our health system’s Patient Family Advisors, a collective of both staff and community members, who work together to voice concerns and propose solutions. The Leapfrog Group is a nationally renowned organization dedicated to assessing and improving healthcare quality and patient safety. Its Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen discussing women’s cancers, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers often come to mind. However, lung cancer claims more lives among women in the United States than the combined mortality of these three. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to learn more about how to prevent lung cancer, as well as the symptoms that can be associated with it. Risk factors and prevention Over the past 20 years, lung cancer rates have increased in women. The exact reasons are unclear, but there are several possible explanations including hormones or increased exposure to secondhand smoke. Genetics also likely plays a role. Most lung cancer risk factors are environmental, such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to cancer-causing substances in the air and prior radiation treatment. A family history of lung cancer also puts you at higher risk of developing it. Doing your best to avoid environmental risk factors helps lower your risk of getting lung cancer: Don’t smoke; smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. To speak with a tobacco treatment specialist about quitting tobacco, please call 443-481-5366. Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid radon exposure in your home. Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil and water. Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. You can order radon testing kits here. Avoid exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in many products including insulation and construction materials; its fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Symptoms, screening and treatment Unusual fatigue, weight loss, a persistent cough and/or coughing up blood, shortness of breath and wheezing are all symptoms of lung cancer. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away and don’t hesitate to request a screening. Our experts recommend annual lung cancer screening starting at the age of 50-years-old for those who currently smoke, or have quit in the past 15 years. As with all cancers, earlier detection of lung cancer improves outcomes. Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and IV treatments such as chemotherapy. There are also some patients who might be eligible for oral pills that can target the cancer specifically. Different treatments are sometimes used together, with a treatment plan tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. In Conclusion The rise in lung cancer in women is concerning and more research is needed. Both men and women should talk to their doctor if they have any questions regarding lung cancer prevention or to see if they qualify for a lung cancer screening imaging test. Authors Feras Abdul Khalek, MD is an experienced medical oncologist at Luminis Health. He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He is also an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer.
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