Drop Your Colon Cancer Risk

COLORECTAL CANCER IS THE THIRD MOST COMMON cancer in the world. While you cannot change some factors (such as age and family history) influencing colorectal cancer risks, such as age and family history, several interventions may reduce your risk. Today we explore seven ways to drop your colon cancer risk.

Colon (or colorectal) cancer affects the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It usually develops from polyps, which are small growths on the colon or rectal lining. While most polyps are harmless, some can become cancerous if left untreated.

You’re in pretty good shape for the shape you are in. — Dr. Seuss

Colorectal cancer facts

Here are some key things to know about colon cancer:

1. Symptoms: Colon cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, so regular screening is important. However, some common symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramping, and unexplained weight loss.
2. Risk factors: Several factors can increase the risk of developing colon cancer, including age (the risk increases after age 50), a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colon or rectal cancer, a diet high in red or processed meats, and a sedentary lifestyle.
3. Screening: Regular screening is the best way to detect colon cancer early when it is most treatable. Screening tests include colonoscopy, stool tests (such as fecal occult blood tests or fecal immunochemical tests), and sigmoidoscopy.
4. Treatment: Treatment for colon cancer typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. The type of treatment will depend on the stage of cancer and other individual factors.
5. Prevention: There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet that is low in red and processed meats, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Colon cancer, by the numbers

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in women and men in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Cancer Society estimate that more than 52,580 Americans die from colorectal cancer annually — about 144 people daily.

https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html

Colon cancer incidence rates are increasing among younger adults. According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer incidence rates have increased by about two percent per year in adults aged 20 to 39 in the United States from the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s.

The reasons for this trend are not entirely clear, but several factors may be contributing to the increase, including:

• Lifestyle changes: Younger adults today are more likely to have unhealthy diets, be physically inactive and be overweight or obese, all of which are risk factors for colon cancer.
• Microbiota changes: Research has suggested that changes in the composition of gut microbiota, which diet, medications can influence, and other factors, may play a role in the development of colon cancer.
• Delayed screening: Screening for colon cancer is typically recommended for individuals aged 50 and older, but younger adults may delay or not get screened.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as pollution and chemicals, may contribute to the development of colon cancer.

Given the rising incidence rates of colon cancer in younger adults, it is important to raise awareness of the disease and its risk factors and to encourage younger adults to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and to get screened for colon cancer at an earlier age if they have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

7 ways to drop colon cancer risk

Here are seven ways you may drop your risk of colorectal cancer:

1. Get screened regularly: Screening tests such as colonoscopies can detect colon cancer early when more treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk of colon cancer begin regular screening at age 45.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight increases colorectal cancer risk. Aim for a healthy body weight by getting regular physical activity and consuming a balanced diet.
3. Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources might reduce the risk of colon cancer. Limiting consumption of red and processed meats, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars can also help.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in excess can increase the risk of colon cancer. To reduce the risk, limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of one standard drink (two for men) daily.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking is linked to several cancer types, including colon cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of colon cancer and improve overall health.
6. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise, such as brisk walking.
7. Manage chronic conditions: Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes can increase the risk of colon cancer. Work with a healthcare provider to manage these conditions and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Incorporating these seven lifestyle changes and getting regular screenings can help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.

Thank you for reading “Drop Your Colon Cancer Risk.”