Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, and it is estimated that over 135,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year. While there is no one surefire way to prevent colon cancer, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk. To include eating a healthy diet, reducing stress levels, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. If you are concerned about your risk for colon cancer, talk to your doctor and consider getting a colorectal screening.
If a problem is found during your screening, you can use online tools to search for a qualified colorectal surgeon. You’ll be able to find the best surgeon for your needs based on your location and situation. Generally speaking, colorectal surgeons recommend getting a colonoscopy every ten years if you’re 50 years old or older.
Colorectal surgeons may perform various procedures, including colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and surgical removal of tumors or polyps. They may also perform bowel resections, colostomies, and ileostomies. A colorectal surgeon must be highly skilled and experienced to provide the best possible care for their patients. They must also effectively communicate with their patients and answer any questions they may have. It is important for patients to feel comfortable with their colorectal surgeon and feel confident in their ability to provide the necessary care. This is why it’s so crucial to explore your options thoroughly if you ever need a colorectal surgeon. Until then, here are some of the best ways to reduce your risk for colon cancer.
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
There are many ways to lower your risk for colon cancer, but one of the most important is to eat a healthy diet. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in fiber, which can help reduce your risk for colon cancer.
If you’re looking for specific foods to help you reduce your risk for colon cancer, fish is generally considered healthy meat. Meals with fish like baked salmon and smoked tuna can help reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk for cancers. Dairy products are rich in calcium, which is known to help prevent colon growths. Whole grains are so important because they keep you regular, which helps remove cancer-causing compounds from your body. Colorful fruits and vegetables, such as fruits high in vitamin C, cabbage, and broccoli, also help fight inflammations that can lead to cancer.
Reduce your stress levels.
Another one of the most important ways to lower your risk for colon cancer, and cancer in general, is to reduce your stress levels. Stress can have a negative impact on your health in many ways, and it may contribute to a higher risk for cancer. While research is still ongoing as to whether stress can directly cause cancers itself, it is generally accepted that stress promotes growths that can lead to cancer.
There are many ways to reduce stress, including exercise, yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Spending time with friends and family, and enjoying hobbies and activities you love, can also help reduce stress. If you haven’t incorporated an exercise routine into your prevention plan yet, it’s high;y recommendable that you do so. Start with hobbies that interest you, or pursue new ideas you’ve been meaning to try out. For example, if you’ve thought it would be fun to try your skills on tennis courts, go ahead and pursue that idea now. It will certainly benefit your physical health, and it may have even greater benefits down the road.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol consumption is a risk factor for colon cancer. In fact, the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk for the disease, and they say that avoiding alcohol altogether is the best way to reduce your risk for colon cancer.
One way to avoid excessive alcohol consumption is to track how much you drink. Use a drinking tracker app or keep a written log to help you keep track. Another way to avoid drinking too much is to set limits for yourself and stick to them. For example, if you decide to only drink one glass of wine per night, be strict with yourself. If one glass impairs your judgment enough for you to ignore your guidelines, lower your amount even more.
These are some of the best ways to lower your risk for colon cancer and other types of cancer. As you can see, it’s mostly about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being aware of the checkups you’ll need to stay on top of your health.
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