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Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?

We don’t fully understand what causes colon cancer, otherwise known as colorectal cancer. As in most cancers, it begins when healthy cells mutate, grow and divide out of control, destroying normal healthy tissue. When they accumulate, they form a tumor or can travel to other parts of the body. 

According to Fight Colorectal Cancer, these statistics emerged:

  • Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths
  • There will be an estimated 147.950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020
  • 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer
  • 60 percent of colorectal cancers can be prevented with screening

Risk Factors

Many risk factors can make a person susceptible to colon cancer, including

  • Age
  • Personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory intestinal issues
  • Inherited syndromes such as FAP and Lynch syndrome (HNPCC)
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Overweight
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Diabetes

Today, we don’t know of any definitive ways to prevent colon cancer, but we do know that there are many ways you can lower your risk. Many of these are lifestyle-related and are totally within your control with the right lifestyle interventions. In fact, links between diet, weight and exercise and colon cancer are very strong.

Diet

Diets that are high in red and processed meat consumption will raise your risk for colon cancer. Cooking meats at high temperature release chemicals that also may raise your risk of colon cancer. 

Recently, studies have shown that having more fiber in your diet, particularly ones found in whole grains, may lower risk for colon cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests a diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains to reduce your risks. 

Obesity

Being overweight increases the risk of colon cancer in both men and women, but studies show the link is stronger in men. Research suggests that the risk increases approximately 15 percent with each five points of BMI beyond the upper end of the normal range. Having abdominal fat around the waistline seems to indicate more of a risk as well. Staying at a healthy weight can help you lower your risk. 

Exercise

If you don’t get regular exercise, you may be subject to a greater risk of colon cancer. Research says that active adults have between a 40 and 50 percent reduced risk of colon cancer compared to sedentary adults.  

According to the American Cancer Society, adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Increasing the intensity and amount of exercise you get each week may reduce your risk of colon cancer. 

Limiting Alcohol Consumption

In addition to diet, weight and activity, alcohol consumption has been linked with a higher risk of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 2 drinks daily for men and 1 for women. 

Smoking

Smokers are not just at risk for lung cancer but also for all digestive cancers, including colon cancer, stomach cancer and esophageal cancer. 

Many never experience any symptoms when their colon cancer is in its early stages. That is why it’s important to get appropriate screening. It’s generally recommended that you begin to get colon cancer screenings at about 50 years of age and even earlier if you have a family history of it. 

At Vital Imaging, we have continually provided professional and compassionate patient care since 2001. We are here to support you each step of the way. Contact us today (305) 596-9992 to learn more about scheduling your next imaging test.