Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is the third most common type of cancer in men and women in the United States.

The good news is that colon cancer is highly preventable, and you can lower your risk of developing colon cancer by up to 50% with a simple movement.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum, also known as the large intestine. The cancer usually starts as a small polyp, which is a growth on the inner wall of the colon or rectum.

Over time, the polyp can grow and become cancerous.

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women in the United States.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Many people with colon cancer do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as the cancer progresses, some common symptoms include:.

Change in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation
Blood in the stool
Abdominal pain or cramping
Weakness or fatigue
Unintentional weight loss

These symptoms can be caused by many conditions other than colon cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor to determine their cause.

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is highly preventable, and there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in fat
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking or using tobacco products
Limiting your alcohol intake

In addition to these lifestyle changes, there is a simple movement that can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

The Simple Movement that Reduces Colon Cancer Risk by Up to 50%

The simple movement that can dramatically reduce your risk of developing colon cancer is walking. According to the American Cancer Society, walking for at least 30 minutes a day can significantly lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels.

It is an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

In addition to reducing your risk of colon cancer, walking has many other health benefits, including:.

Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving mood
Strengthening bones and muscles
Boosting your immune system
Improving sleep quality

How Much Walking Do You Need to Do?

To lower your risk of developing colon cancer, the American Cancer Society suggests walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This can be broken up into shorter periods, such as three 10-minute walks a day.

If you are new to walking, start slowly and gradually build up your endurance. Aim to increase your walking time and distance each week until you reach the recommended minimum of 30 minutes a day.

Additional Tips for Walking Safely

When walking for exercise, it is essential to practice safe walking habits to prevent injury. Here are some tips to help you walk safely:.

Wear comfortable, supportive shoes that fit well
Wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your walk
Start your walk with a slow warm-up, such as stretching or walking slowly for a few minutes
Walk at a comfortable pace that allows you to talk without getting out of breath
Avoid walking on uneven surfaces or areas with poor lighting
Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun

In Conclusion

Colon cancer is a preventable disease, and there are many steps you can take to lower your risk of developing this type of cancer.

Walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is a simple and effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer by up to 50%. In addition to its cancer-fighting benefits, walking has many other health benefits that can improve your overall quality of life. So put on your walking shoes, get outside, and start walking today!.