Colorectal cancer, or otherwise called colon cancer in short, is a cancerous condition that occurs in the large intestine or rectum. While most people would think that colon cancer only affects older adults, it has been reported that more and more younger people are getting diagnosed. Due to this increasing and alarming trend, the American Cancer Society has raised the recommended age for colonoscopy or other cancer screening methods to 45. However, if you or your loved ones are at an increased risk of colon cancer, it will be advisable to head to the doctors much sooner and receive a checkup. In this article, we’ll be addressing some ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Have a Well-Balanced Diet
Multiple research has shown that an unhealthy diet filled with saturated fats and sugars can lead to an increased risk of colon cancer. This should come as no surprise as in general, an unhealthy diet can result in many health and medical problems. As such, your loved ones should consume a diet that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that a high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of colon cancer. We also recommend your loved ones to incorporate fruits, leafy vegetables, and fatty fish into their diet in order for their bodies to receive sufficient nutrients to be healthy.
Reduce Intake of Alcohol and Nicotine
Just like our diet, our lifestyle choices play an important role in shaping our overall health. People who drink or smoke excessively have been found to be at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. However, that does not mean your loved ones should not have a drink at all. At the end of the day, it’s all about moderation. It’s perfectly fine for your loved ones to consume alcohol every once in a while. It only becomes a problem when your loved ones drink or smoke almost every day and at a high consumption. If your loved ones are having trouble quitting these habits, we recommend they seek a professional or support group.
Losing Extra Weight
Research has shown that people who are obese have a higher chance of getting diagnosed with colon cancer. This is due to increased serum leptin levels, which speed up the growth of a colon cancer cell line. What’s more, obesity tends to lead to other health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which may indirectly result in colon cancer. Therefore, for loved ones who are overweight, it will be advisable to lose those extra pounds by adopting a cleaner diet and a more active lifestyle.
This may sound repetitive, but this is absolutely the best way to reduce the risk of colon cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, older adults who are physically active can reduce the likelihood of colon cancer by as much as 24%. This is due to exercise increasing the antioxidant levels and speeding up DNA repair, which enhances insulin metabolism to improve immune function. While your loved ones do not have to partake in intense physical activities each day, we do recommend committing at least 30 minutes for three days a week to moderate exercises such as brisk walking and cycling.