If you are worried about getting colon cancer, rest assured that there are things that you can do to lower your risk. In fact, colon cancer prevention measures are very simple, but they may require a lot of willpower on your part. According to the ACS (American Cancer Society), over 94,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer every year and around 48,000 of them die of the disease. In Canada, around 17,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year and about 6,400 of them die of the disease. Here you will be able to identify the 10 rules for the prevention of colon cancer.
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10 Rules For Prevention Of Colon Cancer
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Reduce your amount of alcohol consumption
If you are the type of person that likes to drink and you drink a lot, then you need to realize that excessive alcohol consumption has been proven to increase colon cancer risks significantly.
However, a glass of red wine with dinner is okay because red wine contains certain antioxidants that have been proven to be effective cancer fighters.
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Lose weight
People who are obese are at high risk for cancer.
Many studies have been conducted on the effect of obesity and colon cancer.
They have all concluded that people who are obese are at a much higher risk than those of normal weight.
Don’t take that growing belly for granted. It’s not good for you. Ask your doctor for assistance and find out what your desired weight should be.
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Stop Smoking
Smoking can transport dangerous carcinogens to your colon.
Smoking has also been proven to increase the size of polyps found in the colon.
Smoking cigarettes has been clearly identified as causing cancer and has been linked to colon cancer, too.
Don’t think smoking would just cause lung cancer.
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Get plenty of exercises
People who have a regular exercise regimen have been known to decrease their risk of colon cancer by as much as 40%.
Fitness is not only providing you with more energy, but it also helps to reduce the risk of becoming sick.
Exercising regularly at least five times a week can go along way in preventing cancer. This will also help you to keep your weight at acceptable levels. Research has shown that by doing exercises, one can reduce the chances of getting cancer by up to 40 percent. The extra fat that usually forms around the waist can cause the chances of colon cancer infection to increase.
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Know your family history
This is very important because there is a strong hereditary link in colon cancer. If any members of your family have colon cancer then your risk increases significantly. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any family history of cancer.
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Regular colon cancer screenings
This tip is very important if you are age 50 or older. The older you get, the higher your risk for cancer. Doctors recommend that anyone over the age of 50 have yearly screenings. Early diagnosis is the easiest to cure.
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Change your diet
A high fiber, low-fat diet is the best way to prevent colon cancer and should include a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get a rainbow of vitamins and minerals for all the antioxidant power. Fiber is thought to help harmful compounds get pushed through the digestive system before they have a chance to cause any kind of harm and before they get a chance to settle into the walls of the intestine and start building any of the growths that can turn to cancer
In addition to plenty of fiber, your healthy diet should include enough water and sources of water to prevent constipation.
Get away from red meats, eat more fruits and vegetables, and stay away from saturated fats.
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Learn the symptoms
Know the symptoms of colon cancer.
If you exhibit any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.
The earlier colon cancer is detected and treatment started the better your chances of survival.
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Take aspirin daily
Studies have shown that taking a regular aspirin once a day can decrease the size of any colon polyps, therefore reducing your risk of colon cancer.
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Take a good multivitamin
This will increase your overall health and give your body the vitamins and minerals that it needs that you cannot get in foods.
So there you have ten very important colon cancer prevention tips. Follow these tips and make lifestyle changes today so you can reduce your levels of risk.
