Colon cancer can be a life-threatening illness, but luckily, it’s one of the few cancers that can be prevented through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

By taking the proper steps, individuals can decrease their likelihood of developing colon cancer by up to 75 percent.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. The colon is a long tube-like organ that forms part of the large intestine.

Colon cancer usually starts as a small, non-cancerous cluster of cells called polyps, which can eventually turn cancerous if left untreated.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the US, with an estimated 147,950 new cases in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s also the third-leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for an estimated 53,200 deaths in 2020.

Factors That Increase Your Risk of Colon Cancer

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer:.

1. Age

Colon cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.

2. Family History

If you have a family history of colon cancer, you’re at a higher risk of developing the disease yourself.

This risk is even higher if you have a family history of multiple cases of colon cancer or if the family member was diagnosed at a young age.

3. Personal History of Polyps or Colon Cancer

If you have a history of polyps or colon cancer, you’re at a higher risk of developing colon cancer in the future.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

If you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

5. Lifestyle Factors

Various lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing colon cancer, such as eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet, being overweight or obese, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Preventing Colon Cancer

While some risk factors, such as age and family history, are out of our control, there are several changes we can make to reduce our risk of developing colon cancer:.

1. Diet

Diet plays a significant role in colon cancer prevention. A diet that’s high in fiber and low in fat has been linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.

On the other hand, a diet that’s high in red and processed meats, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer.

To prevent colon cancer, try to incorporate more fiber-rich foods into your diet, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid or limit your intake of red and processed meats, and try to eliminate saturated and trans fats from your diet.

2. Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Getting regular exercise can help reduce your risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, on most days of the week.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk.

4. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. To reduce your risk, limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of various types of cancer, including colon cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.

6. Get Screened

The best way to prevent colon cancer is through regular screening. Colon cancer screening can detect polyps and other abnormal growths in the colon before they become cancerous. Talk to your doctor about the best screening option for you.

By making these lifestyle changes and getting screened regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, but it’s also one of the few cancers that can be prevented through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

By making these changes and getting screened regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.