Colon cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer in both men and women.Half of the people with colon cancer die from it.50 percent of colon cancer cases can be avoided by following basic prevention methods.There are many ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer, including regular screening and consultations, quitting smoking, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity.
Step 1: You should get a colonoscopy.
When you turn 45, colonoscopy screenings begin.If you have no other colon cancer risk factors, your doctor may recommend this.If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, your physician may recommend a colonoscopy sooner than that.If you notice bleeding from your rectum or other signs of colon cancer, it's a good idea to have a screening done.Prepare for the screening.Doctors can use the colonoscopy to remove polyps in your colon.It takes 10 to 15 years for polyps to grow and turn into colorectal cancer.You may have to fast and go through a colon cleansing.It will take less than one day to get a colonoscopy.
Step 2: You can get a Fecal Occult Blood Test.
There are tests that look for hidden blood in the stool which can be signs of cancer.The procedure can be done once a year.You may be able to sample your stool at home and send it to the lab in a container provided by your doctor.
Step 3: It is possible to try genetic testing.
Genetics play a major role when it comes to your risk of colon cancer, 5 to 10 percent of colorectal cancers are caused by genetic defects that can be inherited.If you have a relative who has had colorectal cancer, ask your doctor if you should get tested for these genes.There are a number of genetic tests that can be used to determine if you have a susceptibility to colorectal cancer.A genetic counselor can help you understand your individual cancer risk and which type of genetic tests may be useful for you or other members of your family.
Step 4: Discuss other screening options with your doctor.
Depending on your overall health, age, and family history, there are many different options for colon cancer screenings.You can get the most accurate results by consulting your doctor about which screening test is right for you.There are different screening options from less frequent to more intrusive.You may need a colonoscopy to confirm the results if you are regularly screened.Depending on what your doctor recommends, you should return for a colonoscopy screening every 1 to 10 years.Your doctor may want you to come back in 1 to 3 years if you have precancerous polyps removed.If you don't have any polyps, you may not have to come back for a decade.
Step 5: You should eat 5 or more serving of vegetables and fruits a day.
The risk of colon cancer can be reduced by consuming more fruits and vegetables every day.Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants.Natural sugars found in fruits can replace processed sugars if you have a sweet tooth.Vegetables, like carrots or parsnips, are a good replacement for processedCarbohydrates.If you can, try to eat organic produce.You should avoid non-organic pesticide heavy foods.If you buy conventional produce, buy items that are known to be low in pesticides, such as avocados, pineapples, sweet corn, cabbage, and frozen sweet peas.
Step 6: You should eat a lot of fiber.
Fiber helps fuel the residentbacteria already present in our guts and is essential to counter-acting carcinogens.Whole grains, lentils, apples, and broccoli are some of the foods that will reduce your risk of colon cancer.Whole wheat or seeded breads can be used instead of processed and bleached wheat.If you think you aren't getting enough fiber, try a supplement.
Step 7: Reducing the amount of red and processed meats in your diet is a good idea.
Red and processed meats contain a number of potentially harmful elements, from the particular type of iron present in red meat to its carcinogenic effect when being cooked at high temperatures.It is possible to reduce your risk of colon cancer by avoiding red and processed meat.If you can't live without red meat, you should serve a vegetable-laden dish.Many processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, salami, and some lunch meat, contain sodium nitrite, which turns into a carcinogen during digestion.
Step 8: Don't drink excessively.
In small amounts, alcohol can be good for the heart, but it can also increase the risk of cancer.If you want to reduce your risk of cancer, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.A single drink has between 5 and 12 ounces of beer, wine, or distilled spirits.
Step 9: Don't smoke.
Smoking increases the risk of serious diseases like heart disease, emphysema, and stroke, but is also a primary cause of at least 14 different cancers, including colon cancer.Smoking cessation products can be consulted by your healthcare professional.There are many over the counter smoking cessation products available.
Step 10: Discuss taking aspirin with your doctor.
Ask your doctor if you should take a small daily dose of aspirin.According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, if you do this for ten years, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
Step 11: You should take vitamins and supplements.
The risk of cancer can be reduced with the help of calcium and Vitamin D.You should look for supplements in powder, pill, or capsule form if you are having a hard time eating calcium and vitamins.If you live in an area that doesn't get a lot of sunlight, you might benefit from taking vitamins.
Step 12: You have to exercise daily.
Moderate and frequent exercise will help you avoid a sedentary lifestyle.Both a healthy weight and an obese one can benefit from exercise.Try to walk for 30 minutes a day.It is possible to reduce your risk of colon cancer by walking.You can sign up for a class.Moderate exercise can be achieved through dance and yoga classes.
Step 13: A healthy weight is maintained.
Maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce the long-term possibilities and risks of cancer, even if you don't exercise.A healthy diet and regular exercise are needed to maintain a healthy weight.New health routines need to be discussed with your doctor.
Step 14: You can join a health club.
A health club or spa can provide you with resources to maintain a healthy weight and exercise.If you have questions or concerns about your lifestyle, spas and health clubs can often offer nutrition resources.If you work out three or more times a week, you'll be able to maintain a healthy weight.