Ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer

 Ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer

 Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed and is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the United States.

 By living a healthy lifestyle and following guidelines for regular medical examination, you can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer.

 There are things a person can do to help reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.

 Maintain normal weight

 Example: Your height is 1.71 m. Your weight should not exceed 71 kg because  being significantly overweight is linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

 It is best to consult your doctor to understand whether you are overweight and make a weight loss plan if so.  Once you reach a normal weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will help you stay in the normal range.

  Eat vegetables and fruits

 Studies have shown that diets that prioritize plants, including vegetarian and vegan diets, are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Vegetarian diet:

 Fruits and vegetables contain many beneficial nutrients, including fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals.

Drink alcohol

 There are long-term health consequences of moderate to severe alcohol use, including an increased risk of colorectal cancer — as well as other types of cancer.

  Diet rich in fiber

 Fiber comes with many health benefits – keeping bowel movements regular, promoting good bowel health and helping with weight control because it helps you feel full longer. “Some studies have also shown that adequate fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

 To reduce your risk of colorectal cancer — as well as your risk of many other chronic health conditions, after all — it's important to make sure you get enough fiber daily.

Processed meat

 Eating a lot of processed meat increases a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer.

 Processed meats include luncheon meats, bacon, and sausages.  Even organic or nitrate-free luncheon meat is still considered processed.

 Reduce your intake of red meat because it also increases the risk of colon cancer.

 Red meat includes not only beef, in any case, but also pork, bison, and venison.

 Instead, choose lower-fat animal proteins, such as chicken and fish, or plant-based protein options, such as beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa and chickpeas.

 Physical activity

 Exercise helps reduce a person's risk of developing several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.  Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day,

 What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?

Risk factors for colorectal cancer are as follows:

 • Age: 50 years or older

 • History of alcohol abuse and smoking

 • Weight gain and physical inactivity

 • Follow a low-fiber diet

 •  African Americans have a much higher risk

 • Personal history of inflammatory or gastrointestinal diseases

 • Family history of colorectal cancer

 If you're at higher risk, start following up with a gastroenterologist now so you have someone who actually understands your health history in case you start having worrisome problems.

 Conduct regular examinations to detect colon cancer starting after the age of 40

 One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk is to follow colon cancer screening recommendations.

 “Cancer screening can help find precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer or when it is still an early, easily treatable cancer.”

 Colonoscopy screening usually begins at age 45 and is performed every 10 years.  However, if you're at higher risk, your doctor may recommend starting colonoscopies early and having them more frequently.

 Reasons for early detection

 Talk to your doctor about whether you need to start colon cancer screening earlier than age 45 if you have:

 • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

 • Family history or colorectal cancer

 • Personal history of colorectal polyps

 • Certain genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-multiple colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)