Tips To Prevent Colon Cancer

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1. Get Screened
2. Keep Yourself at a Healthy Weight
3. Avoid Smoking
4. Maintain a Physical Routine
5. Limit your alcohol consumption
6. Cut Down on Your Consumption of Red Meat, Especially Processed Meat
7. Consume Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D
8. Increase your intake of fiber-rich whole grains

Overview

You may greatly reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer by taking preventative actions.

Early screening and lifestyle modifications addressing nutrition, exercise, and weight may help lower the risk of colon cancer.

However, certain risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be avoided. Therefore, there is a tremendous opportunity to enhance public and individual health via effective preventive measures.

The most effective measures against colon cancer are listed below.

Get Screened

The strongest defense against colon cancer is an active offense: being checked regularly.

It may detect abnormal growths called polyps that can develop into cancer and aid in the prevention of the illness.

To detect colon cancer early, there are a few reliable screening methods.

Several of them are simple, but they should be performed more often. The other ones need less frequent attention but are more labor-intensive.

Typically, testing begins after the age of 45. Those with a significant risk factor, such as a family history of colon cancer, may start testing at an earlier age and, more often — optional forms of common screening advice.

A second colonoscopy is often required if a screening test reveals abnormal results.

•  Colonoscopy:

Examination of the whole length of the colon using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera.

To feel comfortable throughout the test, you will be sedated; thus, you will need transportation home.

A polyp or other abnormal growth may be surgically removed during the examination.

• Sigmoidoscopy:

Barium enema and virtual colonoscopy are also reliable screening tools. Find a doctor to discuss your treatment choices with you.

• Stool test:

One test used in screening is the stool occult blood test.

If the results of this test come back negative, the patient is very unlikely to get cancer within the following year.

Additional testing will be required if the result is positive.

Keep Yourself at a Healthy Weight

A higher body mass index increases cancer risk more than any other single factor, including smoking.

Gaining weight and being overweight have been related to an increased risk of many malignancies, including colon cancer.

Stopping further weight gain should be the first objective for anybody who has already gained weight.

Then, to further improve your health, start a modest weight loss program.

Avoid Smoking

Quitting smoking is the greatest thing you can do for your health.

Colon cancer is one of 15 types directly linked to tobacco use.

Furthermore, it raises the odds of developing other life-threatening illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and emphysema.

If you are a smoker, you should know that quitting has advantages that begin immediately after your last cigarette.

Maintain a Physical Routine

Consistent movement is a tough competitor. It’s a great way to perk yourself up and reduce your chance of developing major illnesses like colon cancer.

While any exercise is better than none, experts recommend aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate daily activity.

Pick activities like vigorous walking, cycling, dancing, or gardening that you look forward to doing.

Limit your alcohol consumption

Alcohol use at any level increases the chance of developing cancers of the colon and breasts; nevertheless, moderate drinking may be beneficial for the heart in elderly persons.

Not drinking is the healthiest option because of alcohol’s other adverse effects.

Cut Down on Your Consumption of Red Meat, Especially Processed Meat

Consuming large amounts of red meat, such as steak, hamburger, or hog, has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.

The risk is significantly greater when consuming processed meats like bacon, sausage, and bologna.

Not more than three servings a week is recommended.

Consume Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D

Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake have been shown to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

Aim for between 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 1,000 international units of vitamin D daily.

Foods like low-fat dairy, fortified plant-based milk, legumes, nuts, and greens are all good places to get your calcium fix.

Eggs, fatty fish (like tuna), and vitamin D-fortified dairy products are all good places to get your daily dose.

Increase your intake of fiber-rich whole grains

A diet high in fibre and whole grains has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing colon cancer.

However, few individuals have enough amounts of either. Adults of all ages should aim for three or more servings of whole grains per day and between 22 and 34 grams of fibre per day.

Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and 100% whole-wheat products like bread, cereal, and pasta.

Foods like low-fat dairy, fortified plant-based milk, legumes, nuts, and greens are all good places to get your calcium fix.

Eggs, fatty fish (like tuna), and vitamin D-fortified dairy products are all good places to get your daily dose.

Conclusion

Despite the high degree to which colon cancer may be avoided, there are still certain major risk factors that individuals have no say over.

Identifying the ones that relate to you is crucial in realizing your risk and taking preventative measures.

Consult a medical expert if you are concerned about your health.