Lowering Colon Cancer Risks
Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer or bowel cancer. The colon is the part of the digestive system where the body’s waste material is stored, while the rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. They form the long, muscular tube that is the large intestine. Colon cancer involves cancerous growths that start in the inner wall of large intestine.
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females worldwide. While this kind of cancer is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa, the incidence of colon cancer is increasing, however, in countries that have adopted western diets.
Initially, there are no symptoms for colon cancer, which is why doctors often advise on regular screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. In almost all cases, early diagnosis can lead to a complete cure.
There is no single cause for colon cancer, but nearly all colon cancers begin as benign polyps, which then slowly develop into cancer. There are, however, risk factors for the development of colon cancer. You are at high risk if you have colorectal polyps, a family history of colon cancer, cancer in another part of your body, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, a history of breast cancer, and if you eat a low-fiber, high-fat diet and red meat.
As already mentioned, many cases of colon cancer exhibit no symptoms. However, the following may be indicative of colon cancer: diarrhea, constipation, or other major alterations in bowel habits, fecal blood, anemia, abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, blockage in the intestines, unexplained weight loss, and narrow stools.
There are things you can do to lower your risk of colon cancer. While some of the factors that increase your risk of developing this type of cancer—like age, family history, and personal history—are uncontrollable, you can still make some changes in the following areas:
- What you eat. A diet that is high in fat, particularly animal fats, has been proven to increase your risk of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends eating more plant-based foods than animal products. You should also have five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and several servings of food from other plant sources, such as grains, rice, pasta or cereal. Many fruits and vegetables have been found to contain substances that interfere with the process of cancer formation.
- How much exercise you get. Inactive people are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer. Make it your goal to spend at least 20 minutes per day exercising. Not only will this increase your overall fitness, it will also lower your risk of getting colon cancer and a host of other diseases.
- How much you weigh. Obese people have a higher risk of dying from colon cancer. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about healthy ways to lose the excess weight.
- Your vices. Smoking not only increases your risks for lung cancer and other lung diseases, it also ups your chances of developing colon cancer. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes and cigars are absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing your risk of various types of cancer. In addition, heavy alcohol consumption has also been proven to increase your risk of colon cancer. Limit your alcohol intake.
Be more responsible with your health and nip colon cancer in the bud.