How can I reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, otherwise known as colorectal cancer, is a silent killer. It is termed as such because it slowly creeps into the body, often without showing any early signs and symptoms. Others may experience these signs and symptoms, but fail to take them seriously because these can also be attributed to other conditions. Studies show that there are about 50,000 people in the United States alone who die from this type of cancer. At such an alarming rate, it is only right to start asking yourself, “How can I reduce the risk of colon cancer?” Understanding preventive measures for this disease might just save your own life, and that of your loved ones.

Find Out Who Is At Risk

The first step toward preventing the development of colon cancer is to find out who is at risk of getting the disease. There are several risk factors, and knowing what they are could help people become better aware and be better able to take action, accordingly. Age is a common factor in that people who are over the age of 50 have higher chances of acquiring this disease. Heredity is another factor, and people with a family history of colon cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with it. Those who are fond of eating high calorie and fatty foods are also more susceptible, along with those who are overweight. Moreover, people who smoke and drink are often considered high risk, as well as those who seldom engage in physical activities.

Improve Diet and Lifestyle

For individuals who ask themselves, “How can I reduce the risk of colon cancer?” one of the things they must do is to look into their diet. It is ideal to eat fiber-rich foods, which means that the diet should include wheat, fruits, and vegetables. In terms of lifestyle change, it is necessary for people to avoid excessive smoking and drinking. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogen, which when introduced into the colon, could trigger the growth and mutation of cancer cells. The same can be said for other types of cancer as well. Lifestyle change should also include exercising. For those who didn’t know, exercise can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 40%. A thirty-minute exercise could make such a huge difference.

Take Supplements that Lower Incidences of Colon Cancer

There have been recent studies that show how Vitamin D can lower the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, taking of Vitamin D supplements will more likely help prevent you from getting the said disease. In addition, antioxidants (glutathione, and Vitamins C and E) can eliminate free radicals in the body, and taking these supplements could reduce the incidence of the disease, to a great extent. Lastly, the use of colon cleansing programs also increases your chances of being able to avoid colon cancer. Colon cleansers can get rid of toxins and harmful elements that could trigger the growth of cancer cells.

How can I reduce the risk of colon cancer? By simply following the aforementioned tips, you would be able to help yourself avoid this deadly disease. Remember that as with all other diseases, prevention is better than cure.