6 ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. The risk of colon cancer increases with age and family history. However, there are several lifestyle factors that can contribute to your risk of colon cancer as well.
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6 ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer:
Get regular exercise.
If you are not physically active, you may have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. Being more active may help reduce your risk.
Eat more fiber and less red meat.
Diets high in fiber (like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) have been linked with a decreased risk of colon cancer. While diets high in red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Keep a healthy weight.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of getting colorectal cancer. Keeping a healthy weight can help reduce your risk.
Avoid smoking.
People who have been smoking for a long time are more likely than people who don't smoke to develop from colon or rectal cancer.
Avoid alcohol.
Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of cancers of the colon and rectum. The evidence for this is generally stronger in men than in women, but studies have found the link in both sexes.
Get screening for colon cancer.
Screening can find colon cancer earlier, when treatments are more likely to be successful. Colonoscopies can also find and remove precancerous growths (polyps). Removing them lowers the risk of cancer.
Who should be screened for colon cancer?
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer in all adults age 45 to 75 years.
Recommended colon cancer screening strategies include:
Colonoscopy screening every 10 years
High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (HSgFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
Stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years
Computed tomography colonography every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years + annual FIT
Need for additional colon cancer screening may be required on an individualized basis.
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