Colon cancer represents a serious threat to your life and health. Many factors can influence your lifetime risk for this disease, from genetics and racial heritage to advancing age and the presence of other intestinal disorders. However, you can control certain colon cancer risk factors yourself by taking the following steps.
Schedule a Colonoscopy
Your risk of developing colon cancer rises after you reach middle age. Fortunately, a routine medical check called a colonoscopy procedure can reduce that risk by up to 90 percent. A colonoscopy procedure allows doctors to detect small growths known as polyps. These growths usually prove harmless but can occasionally turn cancerous.
A typical colon inspection procedure involves the insertion of a flexible viewing device called a colonoscopy. After you've received sedation, the doctor will snake the device up through the intestine to look for signs of polyps. Your doctor can remove any suspicious growths right then and there if necessary.
Eat for Intestinal Health
Obesity can increase your risk of colon cancer. If you carry an unhealthy amount of extra weight, ask your doctor about medically-supervised weight loss programs that can help you shed those unwanted pounds. In addition to consuming fewer daily calories, you may also lose weight by removing fatty foods from your menu.
Eating the right kinds of foods can also reduce your colon cancer risk. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains each day. These foods contain fiber which helps to cleanse the colon of toxins. Fruits and vegetables also provide antioxidants which can boost your immune response and disease resistance.
Cut Out Unhealthy Habits
A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity, which in turn raises your cancer risk. However, regular exercise can actually reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends individuals try to get 30 minutes of general exercise every day.
Smoking can cause many kinds of cancer, including colon cancer. If you smoke, do everything you can to quit immediately. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to colon cancer. As a general rule, men should drink no more than two drinks per day, with women limiting themselves to just one drink per day.
A few healthy preventative strategies can help you avoid the dangers of colon cancer for life. Contact a gastroenterologist in your area to schedule a colonoscopy if your age places you at risk, and make any everyday adjustments necessary to minimize your overall risk level.
Share24 October 2022
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