Colon Cancer prevention

Colon cancer is one of the most common and preventable cancers. Researchers estimate that colon cancer causes the second highest number of deaths. Because of recent technological advances in early diagnosis and treatments, colon cancer it is not only preventable, but also well treated in the early stage.

Preventing colon cancer requires just a few added details into your routine and staying aware of your bodily functions. Usually this cancer doesn\’t have symptoms in the early stages, but in the latter stages individuals may suffer from loose stools, cramping, unexplained weight loss and bloody stools. If you recognize any of these symptoms in your daily routines, it is important to seek the advice of your physician immediately.

Individuals who are 50 years old and older should schedule a Colon Cancer screening. The average age at diagnosis is age 64 and research indicates that by the age of 50, 1 in 4 will have polyps. Doctors know that polyps are a precursor to colon cancer and removal of them will help to decrease, or even eliminate, the chance of suffering from the disease.

Diets high in fat and cholesterol, especially from animal sources, have been strongly linked to an increase in the risk for colon cancer. And the opposite is also true. Diets that are high in fiber have been shown to have a protective effect against the development of the disease.

When all things are equal, men who are overweight will have a higher risk for colon cancer than women who are overweight. Certain body types will also have a higher risk than others and studies indicate that extra fat carried at the waist has a higher risk for developing cancer than extra fat carried at the size or hips. (1) The take away tip: maintain a healthy weight.

Those who maintain a healthy weight and an active lifestyle can also reduce their risk for colon cancer. Research has indicated that exercising alone can reduce the risk by as much as 40%. Maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle will also reduce the incidence of other diseases such as obesity and diabetes. (2)

Individuals who are interested in preventing colon cancer should get to know their family medical history and consider genetic counseling. If an immediate family member has been diagnosed with either polyps or colon cancer, or other cancers such as stomach, liver or bone, you may be at an increased risk. There are those who also carry a genetic link that has been linked to hereditary colon cancer and may want to consider adding genetic counseling to your prevention plan.

Smoking and radiation exposure are both factors which will increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Smoking increases the risk, first by inhaling or swallow tobacco smoke that transports carcinogens into the colon, and second because tobacco appears to increase the size of polyps. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of radiation that are very small.

The take away advice is to make changes in your lifestyle to reduce your risk such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Reduce your fat intake, especially saturated fat. Avoid fats from animal sources such as red meats and other foods including milk, cheese, ice cream and coconut oils.

Eat a variety of foods in your diet that will increase the number of vitamins and minerals you consume. Although studies have not proven that certain vitamins or minerals will stop you from getting colon cancer there are a couple of studies that have links a lower risk of cancer to an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals that were linked to a lower incidence include vitamin B6, calcium, fully tested and magnesium.

Limit your intake of alcohol which can increase your risk of colon cancer. Stop smoking and stay physically active to maintain a healthy body weight.

Some medications have also been found to reduce the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer but not enough evidence exists for physicians to make recommendations. If you have a familial risk of colon cancer you may want to discuss the benefits and risks of taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Cox-2 inhibitors. There has been some research to suggest that all three of these drugs, working in different mechanisms, will help to effect a lower risk of colon cancer.

(1) University of Leeds: Waist Size Linked to Bowel Cancer Risk

(2) Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers: A Follow-up Study of Physical Activity and Incidence of Colorectal Polyps in African American Women

(3) U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Evidence Syntheses: Use of Aspirin and NSAIDS to Prevent Colorectl Cancer

(4) Journal of Clinical Oncology: Cox-2: A Molecular Target for Colorectal Cancer Prevention

RESOURCES

MayoClinic: Colon Cancer

Cleveland Clinic: How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer