In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer. Cancer of the colon, also known as the large intestine, or the rectum, the final six inches of the digestive tract, is what it refers to.
There is no foolproof strategy to avoid colorectal cancer. However, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk, such as altering the risk factors that you have control over.
Use these six guidelines to help you reduce your risk. Begin with one or two and work your way up. It's all about your health. Take command.
1 Get Screened:
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to inspect the interior of your colon and rectum, as well as remove malignant or precancerous lesions.
Starting at age 50, the National Cancer Institute advises colonoscopy examinations for all people, with follow-ups every 10 years or more often if the risk of cancer is higher. Colon cancer screening should begin before the age of 50 for anybody who has a parent or sibling who has had the disease.
There are a variety of efficient colon cancer screening tests available. Some are simple to carry out, but they must be done more frequently. Others are more complicated yet require less attention. Your choice of the test is determined by your own preferences and medical history.
2. Practice a Healthy Diet
The consumption of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains has been associated with a lower incidence of colon and rectal cancer. Reduce your consumption of red meat (beef, pig, or lamb) as well as processed meats (hot dogs and other luncheon meats), which have been related to an elevated risk of colon cancer.
3. Exercise Regularly
Both men and women are at an increased risk of colorectal cancer if they are overweight or obese, although the relationship appears to be greater in men. Extra waist fat has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer in studies. Maintaining a healthy weight might help reduce your risk.
4. Quit Smoking
It is, in fact, a risk factor for colon cancer. The longer and more you smoke, the higher your risk becomes, but stopping smoking lowers your risk over time. Inhaled smoke or ingested tobacco delivers carcinogens to the colon, which is one of the reasons smoking may raise your risk.
5. Avoid Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol has been related to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. It is advised that males have no more than two drinks per day and women have no more than one drink per day. 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 112 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits make up a single drink (hard liquor).
6. Reduce Radiation Exposure
Is radiation really important in preventing colon cancer? Yes, to put it succinctly. "Any quantity of radiation may offer some danger for producing cancer and hereditary impact," according to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "and that the risk is increased for higher radiation exposures."
If you had radiation as part of your cancer treatment, talk to your doctor about starting colorectal cancer tests sooner.
Colon cancer risk is closely connected to food, weight, and exercise habits, according to research. It may be difficult to change some of these lifestyle patterns. However, adopting the adjustments can reduce the chance of a variety of different cancers, as well as other severe illnesses including heart disease and diabetes.
Dr. Antonio Giordano is the President and Founder of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), which conducts research to diagnose, treat and cure cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses.