Colon cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. Why? Because it is difficult to spot in its earliest stages.
If you’re worried about colon cancer, here are 5 ways to lower your risk of getting it. While nothing has been found to prevent cancer entirely, anyone can take these preventive measures. These simple, easy, and healthy lifestyle changes are easy to enact and implement in your everyday life.
One of the best ways to lower your risk for colon cancer is to be aware of colon cancer symptoms. One obvious symptom, for example, is a sudden and unusual change in bowel habits.
Additionally, if there’s blood in the stool, be sure to consult with your provider. Other symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, or the feeling that the bowel isn’t emptying. Abdominal pains, aches, or cramps that don’t go away could also be linked to colon cancer. Lastly, unusual and unplanned weight loss is also a sign of potential colon cancer.
Many of these symptoms only begin to manifest after cancer has grown. However, the longer it's left untreated, colon cancer can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. This is why early detection is vital.
If you show any of these signs of colon cancer, make an appointment for a screening with your doctor. If you are still worried about the risk of developing colon cancer, there are still options available. Here are five ways to lower your risk of developing colon cancer.
Improving your diet will improve your overall quality of life, as well as reduce your cancer risk. Medical experts often recommend diets low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It can also help reduce the risk of other chronic diseases like coronary artery disease and diabetes.
Limiting alcohol consumption is beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Inside the body, alcohol breaks down into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde damages DNA, which can then begin producing out of control, causing tumors to develop. This is also linked to cancer in other areas regularly exposed, like mouth, esophagus, and liver cancer.
Researchers with the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force have found that low-dose aspirin can help prevent colorectal cancer in some adults. This is mitigated by age and other risk factors but has proven to be a promising correlation. For more information, read here.
Regular exercise will help keep your weight down and improve your general health. Some studies suggest that increased physical activity reduces the risk of cancer. It will nevertheless strengthen your immune system and improve general mental health. Keeping active and regularly exercising will keep your body ready in the event of any medical issue.
While most prominently linked to lung cancer, smoking, and other tobacco use are linked to other cancers. That includes colon, liver, pancreatic, and other forms of cancer. Quitting sooner than later can mean the difference between cancer developing or not.
The best way to beat cancer is through early diagnosis and treatment. Regular screenings can save your life.
Don’t ignore abdominal pain; if it’s not cancerous, it can be a sign of serious gastrointestinal distress. Schedule a screening with your healthcare provider for your next colon cancer screening.
If you’re in the Bay Area and looking for a place to get your next colon cancer screening, consider BASS Cancer Center. BASS professionals are friendly and knowledgeable, and will answer any questions you might have.
