One of the most common types of cancer in the country, colon cancer is believed to affect 1 in every 23 males and 1 in every 25 females. Many risk factors contribute to the development of colon cancer and unfortunately, some of these are not in our control. These include having a family history of colon cancer, being affected by diabetes, and suffering from other digestive diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
Thankfully, there are many other risk factors that we can control and workaround. So, here are some tips to lower your susceptibility to the risk factors for colon cancer.
Get regular screenings done
Screenings help in looking for cancerous tumors or cells even before the symptoms start showing up. To detect colon cancer, colorectal screening is done. Growths on the colon or the rectum known as polyps are detected. Early detection of polyps can help the doctor to plan the treatment before they turn cancerous. When colon or rectal cancer is detected in very early stages, the outcome of the treatment plan is better. As per the recommendation of the American Cancer Society, people who are at average risk should start getting the screening done at the age of 45 years. Consult your doctor to know the correct age for you to start the screenings as per your medical history.
Have a healthy diet
Diets high in processed foods are known to be risk factors for colon cancer. Experts recommend combating this risk factor with a diet that is high in fruits and fresh vegetables. Also, make sure to get plenty of fiber to keep your large intestine healthy.
Keep weight under control
Obesity increases the risk of many health conditions, including colon cancer. An overweight or obese person has a higher chance of dying from colon or rectal cancer. Therefore, eat healthily and exercise regularly to keep the risk of colon cancer at bay. Even 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise is enough to stay healthy. You can do aerobics like jogging or running or even go to the gym and work out under the guidance of an expert trainer.
Quit smoking
Regular and long-term smokers are at a higher risk of dying from colon cancer as compared to non-smokers. Therefore, if you are a smoker, you need to quit immediately. You can do so with the help of a doctor or even join a support group. Apart from being one of the biggest risk factors for colon cancer, smoking can lead to many other health issues so it is best to quit this bad habit immediately for overall well-being.
Stop consumption of alcohol
If you are at a high risk of developing colon cancer due to genetic factors, it is advisable to completely stop drinking alcohol. Quitting immediately can truly have numerous health benefits for your digestive system and overall health.
