Since the mid-80s, the rate of colon cancer has been slowly declining at the rate of about 1 percent per year, but it seems we always have bad news mixed in somewhere. Traditionally thought of as a disease affecting the over 50s, one study paints a gloomy picture. Not only is there a sharply increasing rate in patients under 50, but also advanced stages of the cancer are being developed. [1]
Colon cancer is a sneaky, deadly disease, but there is hope. Did you know that science has determined key lifestyle actions that you can take to protect you and the ones you love? While a cancer screening is certainly an option, here are 7 things that might help you reduce your risk for colon cancer.
There are many reasons for you to quit smoking right now, but one of the most important might be cutting your risk for colon cancer. For the first time, the latest research from the Surgeon General shows the two are “causally linked,” also recognizing diabetes, liver cancer, and other diseases as potential dangers. [2] While smoking and health risks are known, this new development is a sinister one: even the director of the CDC says "after 50 years, we're still finding new ways [...] smoking maims and kills people."
We sit down to work, to eat, to watch TV — the list goes on. Our culture of sitting is nothing new, but it could be hurting us. Another study suggested prolonged sitting could be responsible for over 40,000 colon cancer cases each year; but, before you get rid of your chairs, know it’s long bouts of sitting that is the concern. Things as simple as short walks could be the solution. [3] [4]
There’s also evidence suggesting that getting rid of that extra weight around your middle might reduce your risk — especially if you’re over a certain age. A European study followed 120,000 overweight or obese adults ages 55 to 69 for a period of 16 years, finding the diagnosis of colon cancer was 25 percent higher than that in their thinner counterparts. Interestingly, women were able to further reduce their risk through regular exercise of at least 30 minutes per day. [5]
With many studies suggesting eating red meat — especially processed products — could raise your risk of colon cancer, what better time to try something new? [6] [7] No one’s really sure what about the meat increases your risk. One theory poses preservatives in processed meats are converted into nitrates. While nitrates are present in many foods, too many can be toxic to the body.
It’s not just about eating red meat; diets high in sugar are also a concern. As many countries push toward diets heavy in refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup, colon cancer cases have also increased. Studies have long since commented on a potential link, but the latest leads scientists to believe sugar-heavy diets influence the health of gut bacteria, something which can cause a myriad of health issues. [8]
Some antibiotics can also change your gut bacteria, leading to a less-than-favorable outcome for your health. Similar to a sugar-heavy diet, antibiotics may increase your risk for colon cancer. In a UK study that examined over 20,000 medical records of cancer patients in relation to those of 86,000 healthy patients, those who were prescribed penicillin, quinolones, and metronidazole were about 10 percent more likely to develop colon cancer. [9] While more research is needed, these findings do start to suggest a bigger picture.
The latest research also suggests vitamin D levels correspond to your risk factor for colon cancer. [10] Found in many foods and from sun exposure, the vitamin can also potentially reduce your chances of developing other internal cancers. Sure, there are plenty of ways to get the vitamin D you need, but going outside — with responsible sun protection, of course – is your best bet. While the amount needed is still under debate, one magic range seems to be a daily intake of 1,000-2,000 IU.
While these tips are not the cure all, they may help reduce your risk. There’s some who would argue that a cancer diagnosis is something pre-determined in your DNA, or the product of a random mutation; but, knowing that there are little things you can do to potentially reduce your risk gives you power over your genes. [11] It’s definitely something to consider in your day-to-day life.
What do you think? Do you know of other ways to reduce your risk for colon cancer? Share a comment below.
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