Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a significant health concern. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. This type of cancer develops in the colon or rectum due to abnormal cell growth.

The risk factors associated with bowel cancer are age, family history, medical history, and lifestyle choices. While it is true that some of these risk factors cannot be avoided, there are still certain strategies that can be implemented to minimize the risk of developing bowel cancer.

In this article, we will discuss the top four key strategies for bowel cancer prevention.

1. Healthy Diet

Diet plays a significant role in the development of bowel cancer. A diet that is high in red meat, processed meat, and unhealthy fats increases the risk of developing this type of cancer.

On the other hand, a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is known to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

The World Cancer Research Fund recommends the following dietary guidelines to reduce the risk of bowel cancer:.

Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables every day
Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains
Avoid processed meat
Limit red meat to no more than 3 portions per week
Avoid sugary drinks and limit alcohol consumption

2. Regular Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors for developing bowel cancer. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer by up to 25%.

Exercise can help to reduce inflammation in the body, improve immune function, and regulate insulin levels.

Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Moderate exercises include brisk walking, cycling, and swimming, while intense exercises include running, aerobics, and playing sports.

3. Screening

Early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment of bowel cancer. Bowel cancer screening helps to detect any abnormalities in the colon or rectum before any symptoms appear.

There are two types of bowel cancer screening tests:.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This test checks for small amounts of hidden blood in the stool. It is a non-invasive test and can be done at home.
Colonoscopy: This test involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the colon and rectum. This test is more invasive and requires preparation beforehand.

Bowel cancer screening is recommended for people aged 50 or older, but individuals with a family history of bowel cancer should get screened earlier.

4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Healthy lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in preventing bowel cancer. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

Obesity and smoking are significant risk factors for bowel cancer, and reducing or eliminating these habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Another factor that can reduce the risk of bowel cancer is avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation, such as from medical imaging.

It is essential to talk to healthcare professionals about the risks and benefits of medical imaging before undergoing any procedure.

Conclusion

Bowel cancer is a severe health condition with significant impacts. By following the strategies discussed in this article, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, screening, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly increase the likelihood of successful prevention and treatment of this cancer.