Prevention
What You Need to Know
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. However, the good news is that in many cases, it is preventable. By making some lifestyle changes and undergoing screening, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. In this page, we will discuss some practical tips for bowel cancer prevention.
Healthy Diet
One of the key factors that contribute to bowel cancer is an unhealthy diet. A diet that is high in red and processed meat, saturated fat, sugar and low in fiber can increase the risk of bowel cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help maintain the health of the colon and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Also, limiting the consumption of red and processed meat, and sugary and fatty foods can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Exercise Regularly
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is another risk factor for bowel cancer. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of bowel cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two major risk factors for bowel cancer. Both smoking and alcohol can cause damage to the cells in the colon, increasing the risk of developing cancerous cells. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Undergo Screening
Regular screening for bowel cancer is essential for early detection and prevention. Screening can detect the presence of polyps in the colon, which can be removed before they develop into cancerous cells. The two most common screening methods are fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. FOBT involves testing for the presence of blood in the stool, while colonoscopy involves inserting a camera into the colon to detect and remove polyps. Your doctor can advise you on which screening method is best for you and how often you should undergo screening based on your age, family history, and other risk factors.
Know Your Family History
Bowel cancer can run in families. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may be at higher risk of developing the disease. It is essential to inform your doctor about your family history so that they can advise you on when to start screening and how often to undergo screening.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for bowel cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Bowel cancer is preventable, and making some lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. A healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, undergoing regular screening, knowing your family history, and maintaining a healthy weight are all essential for bowel cancer prevention. Speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have about your bowel cancer risk and what steps you can take to reduce it. Together, we can make a difference in preventing bowel cancer.
