Colon Cancer Risk: Comprehending Its Impacts as Well as Strategies for Prevention
Colon cancer threatens to develop into a serious illness when left unchecked, and it is one of the leading causes of death alone due to cancer. It has been said that lifestyle changes with early detection have the ability to mitigate up to 50% of colon cancer cases, which is good news.
Colon cancer is a dangerous disease, but the good news is that changing your eating habits, exercising regularly, giving up bad habits, and calling for a medical checkups can mitigate your colon cancer risk.
10 Methods to Decrease the Chances of Colon Cancer
The following is a collection of research data recommendations as well as personal approaches you can undertake today to lower your chances of colon cancer risk.
1. Focus on Protein Rich Foods
Colon cancer risk is tied to high consumption of processed meat and red meat. Therefore, it is imperative to stay away from such products and instead shift focus towards:
✔ Poultry, fish, and eggs as meats rich in lean protein
✔ Nuts, beans, lentils, and tofu as sources of plant protein
With this small change to your diet, the risk of colon cancer and other health issues can be greatly mitigated.
2. Emphasize the Importance of Healthy Fat
Consumption of trans and saturated fats found in processed foods, fried items, and snacks, can cause inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of cancer. Try replacing them with unsaturated fats such as:
✔ Nuts and seeds
✔ Avocados
✔ Olive oils and fatty fish
Research has shown that these types of fats result in lesser instances of colon cancer, along with better metabolic health.
3. Increase the Intake of Whole Grain Foods, Legumes, and vegetables
Foods that are rich in fiber are extremely important for colon health and in the prevention of cancer. Try increasing consumption of:
✔ Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa
✔ Legumes such beans, chickpeas, lentils
✔ Fruits and vegetables that are fibrous, vitamin packed and contain antioxidants
Fiber in particular is useful for digestion and reduces the chances of colon cancer risk by ensuring regular bowel movements.
4. Ensure Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D Fixation
Calcium, along with Vitamin D, assists in maintaining health of the colon and decreases chances of colon cancer. Make sure to get sufficient quantities from:
✔ Dairy such as milk and yogurt
✔ Leafy greens like spinach and kale
✔ Sunlight and Vitamin D supplements
Consult your doctor/physician to find out if calcium and vitamin D tablets are suitable for you.
5. Keep a Balanced Weight
Obesity is linked with numerous health issues and polygenic conditions that rate among the top most dangerous risk factors for colon cancer. Some research points indicate that having more body fat leads to greater inflammation, as well as resistance to insulin, resulting in a higher risk of cancer.
✔ Control and monitor your diet regularly.
✔ Maintain an active lifestyle by exercising for at least 150 minutes per week.
✔ Stop consumption of processed foods high in calories and sweetened beverages (drinks).
Having a healthy weight will increase general health while reducing the chances of colon cancer risk.
6. Reduce Intake of Alcohol and Quit Smoking
✔ Smoking cigarettes is a well-known risk that induces the probability of various types of cancers, colon cancer risk included.
✔ Colorectal cancer is shown to be higher amongst regular drinkers of alcohol.
For a healthier lifestyle:
- Consider quitting to stop smoking, or find help if you require professional assistance.
- Restrict alcohol drinking to moderate quantities (1 alcoholic beverage a day for women, while 2 for men).
Making these simple adjustments can make a big difference in reducing cancer risk and improving health long-term.
7. Remain Physically Active [Regular Exercise]
Exercising regularly helps lower the chances of developing colon cancer. Research suggests that exercising:
✔ Controls the amount of insulin in the body
✔ Enhances anti-inflammatory activity
✔ Facilitates the processes of digestion and elimination
Try achieving 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, like running or strength training, a week.
8. Communicate with the Doctor/Physician
Certain drugs can lessen the chances of developing colon cancer, such as:
✔ Aspirin and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have potential side effects but can decrease the chances of developing colorectal cancer.
✔ Hormone therapy after menopause – Reduces chances for some women.
New medicines always need consultation with a doctor first to be aware of paired benefits and disadvantages.
9. Make Sure to Follow Up Regularly
For those who have hypertension, it often develops without symptoms. Therefore, early detection needs to be taken.
✔ Colonoscopy – Allows the visualization of colon as well as facilitates the removal of polyps before they have a chance to advance to cancer stage.
✔ Stool tests – Aids in spotting blood in the stool, which can indicate malignant tumors.
The American Cancer Society recommends periodic scans for colon cancer starting at 45 years of age (or at a younger age for people who have elevated risk factors).
10. Augment the Consumption of Vitamin D and Folate
✔ Vitamin D has an essential role during the immune response to infection alongside its function in the prevention of cancer.
✔ Folate (vitamin B9) is important for cell growth and DNA maintenance.
Useful sources are:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale and lettuce)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
- Nuts, beans, and whole grains
It is simple to improve colon health by keeping adequate levels of Vitamin D and Folate in the body.
The Bottom Line: Take Action Today
✔ Colon cancer can be prevented, and your daily activities will greatly impact the progress of the disease.
✔ It is advisable to make healthy diet decisions, regularly exercise, stop the use of tobacco/Smoking, and ensure regular checkups to lower the chances of developing colon cancer risk.
✔ The most efficient strategies for dealing with colon cancer are early detection and knowing how to prevent it.
CIMS Hospital, Bhopal: The Best Care For Colon Cancer
If you need a specialist for colon cancer in Bhopal, Career Institute of Medical Science (CIMS) Carrer Cancer Hospital Bhopal provides:
✅ Primary Cancer Screening Examination – Colonoscopy, stool examination, and imaging tests.
✅ Highly Qualified Doctors – Specialized oncologists for managing colon cancer.
✅ Modern Therapeutic Methods – Includes surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
✅ Patient-focused Care – Nutrition rehabilitation and palliative care for cancer patients.
Contact Us
📍 Location: Dussehra Maidan, BHEL Square, Sector A, Govindpura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462023, India
📞 Contact: +91 9303700498
🌐 Website: Carrer Cancer Hospital Bhopal
💡 Take the necessary precautions for you and your family; get a colorectal cancer screening done today! 💡
Sources:
Cancer Research UK – https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2018/03/23/new-calculations-confirm-lifestyle-changes-could-prevent-4-in-10-cancer-cases
American Cancer Society – https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165%2825%2900014-0/fulltext
