Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that can affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.

The good news is that colon cancer is highly preventable if it’s detected early. Screening tests such as colonoscopies can help detect polyps in your colon before they turn into cancer. But what if there was a way to prevent colon cancer with one simple pill? Read on to find out more.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Most colon cancers start as benign polyps, which are growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous.

Colon cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver and lungs, if it’s not detected early.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

There is no single cause of colon cancer, but several factors can increase your risk of developing it. Some of these risk factors include:.

Age: the risk of colon cancer increases as you get older, especially after the age of 50.
A personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps.
A history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.
A diet high in red and processed meat, which can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, which are both linked to colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Prevention

Colon cancer is highly preventable if it’s detected early. There are several screening tests that can help detect polyps in your colon, such as colonoscopies, stool tests, and sigmoidoscopies.

These tests can help catch polyps before they turn into cancer. It is recommended that adults over the age of 50 should have regular colon cancer screenings, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

The Role of Aspirin in Colon Cancer Prevention

Recent studies have suggested that aspirin may play a role in preventing colon cancer. Aspirin is a pain reliever that has been used for over a century to treat a wide range of illnesses, including headaches, fever, and arthritis.

In addition to its pain-relieving properties, aspirin is also an anti-inflammatory drug that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer.

Several studies have found that taking low-dose aspirin on a regular basis can reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The most recent study, published in the journal JAMA Oncology, found that taking a low dose of aspirin (81mg) every other day for five years can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 20%. The study also found that taking aspirin for a longer time period can further reduce the risk of colon cancer.

However, aspirin is not without its risks. Taking aspirin regularly can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers, especially in older adults.

It is important to talk to your doctor before starting aspirin therapy, especially if you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders.

Who Should Take Aspirin for Colon Cancer Prevention?

Aspirin therapy is not recommended for everyone. The decision to take aspirin for colon cancer prevention should be made on a case-by-case basis, based on your individual risk factors and medical history.

If you have a history of colon cancer or polyps, or if you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be a good candidate for aspirin therapy. However, aspirin should not be used as a replacement for regular colon cancer screenings.

Other Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Aside from regular colon cancer screenings and aspirin therapy, there are several other ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer. These include:.

Eating a diet that is high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and low in red and processed meats
Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol consumption

The Bottom Line

Colon cancer is a highly preventable cancer if it’s detected early. Regular colon cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, can help detect polyps in your colon before they turn into cancer.

Recent studies have suggested that taking low-dose aspirin on a regular basis can also reduce the risk of colon cancer. However, aspirin therapy is not recommended for everyone and should be discussed with your doctor.

In addition to regular screenings and aspirin therapy, making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can further reduce your risk of colon cancer.