One of the most common cancers in the United States, about 1 in 20 Americans will develop colon or rectal cancer at some point in their lifetime. Cancer is one those things that is at the back of every Americans head being that it is the second leading cause of death in the United States. But there are things you can do to help lower your colorectal cancer risk, here are 6 ways to help protect your colorectal health.
1. Get screened for colorectal cancer. It is very important that you start getting screenings for this cancer starting at the age of 45 years of age, these screenings are tests that look for cancer before signs and symptoms even develop. These screenings can also often find growths called polyps that can be removed before they turn cancerous. Getting these screenings colon or rectal cancer earlier, ultimately saving your life.
2. Eat lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. It has been known that diets that include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon or rectal cancer. Another important thing is that you want to shy away from eating red meat and processed meats, because this has been linked to increasing your risk of getting the cancer.
3. Get regular exercise. By doing something as simple as getting regular exercise you are helping reduce your risk of getting colon cancer. If you are not physically active, you have a greater chance of developing colon or rectal cancer. Getting the proper amount of exercise weekly is key in helping reduce your risk of getting this cancer. Stay fit!
4. Watch your weight. Watching your weight is one of they key steps in lowering your risk for any type of cancer. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of getting and dying from colon or rectal cancer. Eating healthier and increasing your physical activity can help you control your weight.
5. Don’t smoke. Long-term smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop and die from colon or rectal cancer. Smoking is overall one of the worst things that you can do if your trying to lower your risk for cancer being that 30 percent of all cancer diagnostics come from smoking. I know stopping smoking is not easy so seek help as it will increase your chances of stopping.
6. Limit alcohol. Believe it or not drinking has been linked with a higher risk of colon cancer. It is strongly suggested that no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. I understand that you are an adult and you feel you alcohol consumption shouldn’t be monitored, but if you want to reduce your risk for colon cancer make that simple change.
It is very simple Changing some of these lifestyle habits can also lower the risk for many other types of cancer, as well as other serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The links between diet, weight, and exercise and colorectal cancer risk are some of the strongest for any type of cancer.
