Colon cancer doesn’t get as much airtime as other serious cancers, but it’s the third most common cancer in the United States. One in 20 Americans will develop colon or rectal cancer in their lifetime.
Fortunately, colon cancer is preventable, as long as you have some discipline with your diet and lifestyle habits. Anyone can be at risk for colon cancer, so it’s never too late or too early to begin practicing healthier habits.
7 Get Screened for Colon Cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer may not be noticeable in the early stages. Screening tests look for early signs of cancer cells, increasing your chances for successful treatment. The average at-risk adult is about 45 years and older. Speak to your internal medicine specialist about getting a colon cancer screening.
6 Move Your Body
Most of us lead fairly sedentary lifestyles, meaning we spend the majority of our time awake in a low-activity setting such as sitting at a desk, driving, standing behind a cash register, etc. Even moderate physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer. Talk walking breaks, exercise before or after work or go outdoors on the weekends.
5 Eat More Fruits and Veggies
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other high-fiber foods can significantly decrease your risk for colorectal cancer. A good rule of thumb for your plate is two-thirds fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts or whole grains. One-third should be lean meats such as fish, poultry, or lean cuts of red meat.
4 Maintain a Healthy Weight
Adding all this to your lifestyle will assist in maintaining a healthy weight. Regardless of your weight, carrying excess belly fat can lead to colon cancer. Remember that portion control is also a factor in a mindful diet.
3 Less Red Meat in What You Eat
Red and processed meat, such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and deli meats can increase your colorectal cancer risk. Limiting your diet to 3 servings a week can improve your health and decrease your risk of developing colon cancer.
2 Drink Moderately
Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of wine before bed? If you frequently have more than 2 drinks a day, your chance of contracting colon cancer significantly increases. Sticking to a single drink a day, 1 beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 ½ ounces of spirits, can help decrease your risk for colon cancer.
1 Don’t Smoke
Smoking is a hazard to your overall health and has been linked to a number of cancers, including colorectal cancer. There are numerous benefits to quitting smoking, even if your last cigarette was yesterday. Toss the cancer sticks and decrease your risks.
The medical team at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation diagnose and treat a
variety of conditions in adults, including colon cancer, through superior service and state-of-the-art treatment methods. Call us at (803) 749-1111 to schedule an appointment or fill out our simple online appointment request form today. We look forward to serving you.
