Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with colon cancer, and thousands of them die from the disease.

The good news is that there are things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer and increase your chances of surviving it if you are diagnosed.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. The colon is the long, muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the anus. The rectum is the last few inches of the colon.

Colon cancer often develops slowly over several years. The early stages of the disease may not cause any symptoms, which can make it difficult to detect. However, if detected early, colon cancer can often be treated successfully.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include:.

Age – The risk of developing colon cancer increases as you get older.
Family history – If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be more likely to develop the disease yourself.
Personal history – If you’ve had colon cancer before, you may be more likely to develop it again.
Diet – Eating a diet that is high in red meat, processed meat, and saturated fat can increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
Smoking – Smoking has been linked to several types of cancer, including colon cancer.
Obesity – Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
Lack of exercise – Not getting enough exercise can also increase your risk of developing the disease.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer

There are several things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer:.

Get regular screening tests – If you are over the age of 50, it’s important to get regular screening tests for colon cancer. The most common tests include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood testing.
Eat a healthy diet – Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in red and processed meats and saturated fat, can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
Limit alcohol consumption – Drinking alcohol in moderation can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
Quit smoking – If you smoke, quitting can help reduce your risk of developing several types of cancer, including colon cancer.
Get regular exercise – Getting regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

Treatment for Colon Cancer

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, there are several treatment options available. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage of the cancer and other factors, such as your overall health and medical history.

Some of the most common treatments for colon cancer include:.

Surgery – Surgery is often the first-line treatment for colon cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and any nearby lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to help kill any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer from returning.
Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to treat colon cancer.
Targeted therapy – Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

70% Reduction in Risk of Death

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer by up to 70%.

The study found that people who followed a healthy lifestyle had a significantly lower risk of dying from colon cancer than those who did not.

The study looked at data from more than 900 colon cancer patients and found that those who followed a healthy lifestyle had a 70% lower risk of dying from the disease, compared to those who had unhealthy lifestyles.

The healthy lifestyle factors included being physically active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.

These findings indicate that by following a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly increase your chances of surviving colon cancer if you are diagnosed.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that can be deadly if not detected and treated early.

By taking steps to reduce your risk of developing the disease, such as getting regular screening tests, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise, you can help protect yourself from colon cancer. And if you are diagnosed with colon cancer, following a healthy lifestyle can help increase your chances of surviving the disease.