Written By: Jack Riess NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Life Long Researcher of Health and Longevity.
Hello, most of us have heard about Colon Cancer….yet it is not always easy to detect That’s because it doesn’t often show any signs of distress until it is too late.
Each year in the USA, over 150,000 people learn they have to fight this cancer. Most of the time it appears in people who are over 45, with averages around 66 . Now it is starting to appear in even younger people too! A. research article in PubMED states that “the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. However, each person’s risk might be higher or lower than this, depending on their risk factors for colorectal cancer.”
According to the National Institute of Health, “colon cancer is becoming more common in younger adults, with incidence rates nearly doubling since the early 1990s. In 1992, 8.6 out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. between the ages of 20 and 49 developed colon cancer, but by 2018, that number had risen to 12.9 per 100,000.”
Now the good news:
According to the American Cancer Society, The rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer each year has dropped overall since the mid-1980s, mainly because more people are getting screened and changing their lifestyle-related risk factors.
How cool is that?
Health scientists have identified seven risk factors that increase the chance of young men getting colorectal cancer:
The researchers looked into the lives of almost 1000 men between the ages of 35 and 49 who had been diagnosed with colon cancer.
They found 7 things that might make it more likely for someone to get colon cancer
- Higher in the age range of 35-49
- Individuals who do not regularly use NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen).
- People who do not use statins for high cholesterol
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Family history of colon cancer
- Generally unhealthy people who suffer from inflamation, heart problems and circulation issues
- And, not getting regular check ups or colonoscopies every 5 years
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also lists other risk factors like… not exercising enough, not eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies, eating too much fat and processed meats, being overweight and smoking.
We can all make changes in our lifestyle to reduce the risk.
Preventing colon cancer involves a combination of 10 lifestyle changes and regular screenings to help reduce your risk:
- Regular Screening: Screening tests detect precancerous polyps that can be removed before they become malignant. It is important to start screening at the age 45 or even earlier depending if anyone in your family history has had it.
- Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. You should also limiting red meat (such as beef, pork, and lamb) to one of 2 servings per week and never eat more than the size of your fist. Stay completely aware from processed meats like hot dogs, luncheon meats) can also lower your risk. In general, stay away from packaged foods that contain dangerous preservatives and artificial flavorings and colors. Eat real fruits, vegetables and legumes dsily ( organic if available)
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week or go for a nice walk and increade your distance every day
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight boosts your risk of colon cancer. Working towards a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help lower your risk. If you have trouble maintaining your appetite, I suggest trying natural appetite suppressant like Varinic that not only suppresses your appetite but also takes away your cravings for higher calorie sugar foods
- No Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for all kinds of cancer including but limited to colon cancer. Plus smoking compromises your immune system and make you more liable to contact many other diseases! Quit to help lower your risk.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all, can help reduce your risk of colon cancer. Limit yourself to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. If you need drink hard alcohol every once in a while, limit yourself to tequila or a glass of wine once or twice per week
- Inherited Risk: get to know your family history and discuss it with your doctor to see if genetic or DNA test are appropiate
- Aspirin: Taking aspirin daily may help reduce the risk of getting colon cancer. However, aspirin can have side effects so talk to your doctor about whether aspirin is right for you.
- Limit Exposure to Radiation: Although CT scans can be very beneficial, be careful about getting too many of them. They could increase your risk of cancer. Discuss with your healthcare provider if possible.
- Inform Yourself: There is always new research available on diet, exercise, and other health factors Stay informed about the latest in colon cancer prevention.
Preventing colon cancer is about making choices that benefit your overall health. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.
Let’s join hands in the fight against it!
