Cancer, Health Care

Figuring Out How To Prevent Colon Cancer

[toc]Colon CancerAccording to experts, you are taking the right steps for preventing colon cancer if you are doing all those things that you should be doing for preventing a heart attack or coronary artery disease from befalling you. One of the most common cancers that are suffered by people includes colon cancer. It is treatable though if diagnosed at the right stage.

However, the good news is that this type of cancer can be prevented with some steps. There are some colon cancer prevention tips that should be followed by people and their loved ones if they don’t wish to fall prey to this disease. They are as follows:


Ways To Prevent Colon Cancer

The Colonoscopy

ColonoscopyThe preparation, discomfort, process and embarrassment associated with colonoscopies have been subject to a myriad of misconceptions. Before they undergo their first colonoscopy screening, a large number of patients are more worried about the procedure than with the thought that they might actually have cancer. However, it has also come to light that some of the best advocated of this procedure are the patients who have undergone it themselves.


Diet

Fruits And VegetablesWhole grains, fruits and vegetables should be eaten in variety. Fibers, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals can be found in these particular food items that can be of great use in cancer prevention. People can benefit from a whole lot of nutrients and vitamins if they eat different fruits and vegetables.


Avoiding Red Meat

Red MeatThe intestines can be harmed if people tend to consume a lot of red meat on a regular basis. The risk of colorectal cancer is higher because of the consumption of red meat and this has been substantiated with various studies. Apart from that, diets that comprise of hot dogs, bacon, sausages and other cured meats and also one that’s laden with smoked, salted and processed items increases the risk of this cancer.


Exercise

ExercisesFrequent exercise throughout the week is recommended. On most days, people should try to exercise for about half an hour. People can start slowly on a daily basis if they have been inactive for a while and then they can build up gradually till they reach 30 minutes. Nonetheless, before starting an exercise regime, be sure to consult a doctor.

Maintain your weight if it’s healthy by eating a proper diet and combining it with regular exercise. Consult your doctor if you wish to lose weight as they can guide your how to do so properly. Reducing the number of calories consumed and increasing the amount of exercise is the best way to shed off some weight.


Take Aspirin Sometimes

aspirinAccording to some studies, the regular use of aspirin has the ability of reducing the risk of colon cancer and polyps. However, this hasn’t been proven true through studies that use a low dose of aspirin and give it only for a short duration. It is possible that taking huge doses of aspirin for a long period of time may be helpful in preventing the existence of colon cancer. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t forget that side effects like ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding are also associated with the regular and heavy use of aspirin.


Celebrex or Celecoxib

Pain relief can be sought with Celecoxib and other drugs that are called COX-2 inhibitors. According to some studies, people who have been diagnosed in the past with precancerous polyps will benefit from these drugs as they reduce their risk. However, a risk of heart problems including that of a heart attack is associated with COX-2 drugs. These risks resulted in the removal of two of the COX-2 drugs from the market.


Screening, Genetic Testing and Treatment For Patients With Family History

Patients With Family HistoryA doctor should be consulted for the purpose of genetic counseling and for examining the medical family tree of individuals that have a strong family history in regard to cancer or colorectal polyps. This can aid in identifying how susceptible the individual is to cancer and they can discuss if undergoing genetic testing is the right decision. Moreover, people can also start taking steps to prevent colon cancer from an early age by getting screened and treated.


Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamins

It has been suggested by some, but not all studies that the risk of colorectal cancer may be lowered in the case where people take a daily multi-vitamin that comprises of folate or folic acid. Regardless, more research is needed because some indicate that the growth of existing tumors may also be promoted with folic acid.

Apart from that, there are also studies, which indicate that the risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced with Vitamin D as well and this can be obtained via a Vitamin pill, through certain foods and also from sun exposure. However, this method is not recommended by experts for lowering the risk of colon cancer because excessive exposure to sunlight can also lead to skin cancer.


Avoiding Smoking and Moderating Alcohol

Avoid SmokingIf people wish to drink alcohol, they should do so in moderation. The amount of alcohol consumed on a daily basis shouldn’t be more than two glasses for men and one glass for men if they wish to drink it. Smoking has to be stopped. A doctor can be consulted to discover the ways that can aid in quitting.


Female Hormones

The risk of the development of colorectal cancer in premenopausal women can be reduced with the aid of combined hormone replacement therapy or also menopausal hormone therapy. In these therapies, patients are given progesterone and estrogen after menopause. But, the problem is that women who take these hormones after menopause will usually be suffering from this cancer, which would have reached an advanced stage.

The risk of developing bone thinning or osteoporosis can also be reduced after menopause when progesterone and estrogen are taken by women. However, this therapy also has a downside. The risk of women suffering from cancer of the lungs and breasts is increased. Also, they may become more susceptible to blood clots and heart disease as compared to other women. Nonetheless, these steps can be followed for reducing the possibility of suffering from colon cancer.

Photo Credit: http://houstoncolon.com/colorectal-cancer/