Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes every March. Health care organizations around the globe band together to spotlight the awareness of colon cancer and educate the public on prevention and early detection methods.
As a health care provider, I strive to share information on a variety of health care topics, as I believe there is so much we can do to live healthier lives.
According to the American Cancer Society, 104,610 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in the year 2020 with 53,200 deaths expected. It’s the third-most diagnosed cancer for both men and women and the third-leading cause of cancer death in men and women.
There is no way to completely prevent colon cancer; however, there are many things you can do to lower your risk.
Get Screened: First and foremost, all individuals who are 50 and older should get screened for colon cancer. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about what is best for you, but screening may begin at age 45 or sooner. The colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. The test can detect polyps that can turn into cancer or catch them early when treatments are more likely to be successful.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limiting the amount of red meat you consume can help decrease your chances of colon cancer. Experts recommend less than 18 ounces of red meat a week and eating more colorful fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, and oranges.Whole grain – such as brown rice, quinoa and whole oats – are also great additions to your diet.
Pick Up Some Probiotics: Include more probiotics, which increase beneficial bacteria, in your diet. This can reduce inflammation and intestinal problems. Foods such as yogurt and fermented foods like pickles and sauerkraut have these benefits.
Exercise: Physical activity is not only important for overall health, but it’s also been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are risk factors for health issues such as cancer.
Lower Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol increases your risk of developing polyps that have the potential to turn into colon cancer. Individuals who drink 3.5 drinks a day are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer.
Stop Smoking: Not only does smoking have a negative impact on your lungs, it’s also another risk factor for colon cancer.
Like many other types of cancer, there are general health guidelines to follow to decrease your risk. With some simple lifestyle changes, you can be on track to better colon health.