With 150,000 American adults being diagnosed with colon cancer every year, colon cancer is evidently an increasing cause for concern. Yet, though it’s highly common, it’s also highly preventable. Stay free of colon cancer in your golden years by sticking to some simple habits.
Get Regular Screening
Screening tests can detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. By identifying early symptoms like blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, or precancerous polyps (abnormal growths), you can help prevent colon cancer.
Stool-based tests and visual exams are two commonly used screening tests. Stool-based tests are fairly convenient. What you need to do is collect a stool sample at home before sending it off to a lab for testing. However, bear in mind that stool-based tests should be done every year.
Colonoscopies are standard visual exams that should be carried out once every 10 years. The procedure involves examining the large intestine and rectum of a sedated patient with a long, flexible tube that has a small camera attached to it. If polyps are detected, they will then be removed before they turn cancerous.
It’s recommended that you start getting tested at age 45, or even earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Do talk to your doctor to make an informed choice about what suits you best.
Eat a Healthy Diet
To prevent cancer, you should have a healthy diet. Cut back on red meat such as steak, veal, beef, and mutton as they increase the likelihood of contracting colon cancer. Processed meats, in particular, put you at an even greater risk. Ideally, you should reduce your red meat intake and limit yourself to three servings a week.
While cutting back on red meat, do build up the amount of fiber-rich foods that you consume on a daily basis. Foods like fruits, whole-grain pasta, vegetables, and beans are all good options. Having three or more servings of whole-grain foods in your daily meals can also reduce the risk of cancer.
Quit Smoking and Drinking
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can increase the probability of developing colon cancer. Research has shown that these two lifestyle habits are linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well as other health issues. For those who drink, the recommended amount of alcohol consumption per day is one drink for women, and two for men. To prevent cancer, it is recommended to quit smoking entirely.
Maintain a Healthy Weight and Stay Active
Studies have discovered that weight gain and obesity are linked to increasing rates of colon cancer among the young. Hence, by striving to have a healthy weight, you will not only enjoy good health but also keep colon cancer at bay. You can maintain your weight by watching your diet and staying active. According to research conducted by the National Cancer Institute in 2016, engaging in regular physical activity has been found to lower the risk of colon cancer by 16 percent! It’s time to adopt an exercise routine and keep fit!
By practicing these simple lifestyle habits, you can look forward to good health and happiness in your golden years. If you or your loved one is looking to join a retirement community in Spartanburg, SC, come visit us at TerraBella Spartanburg! Learn how our health and wellness program can support you in your journey to keep fit and stay healthy today!
