What Can Be Done to Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer?
What Can Be Done to Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer?
Many were stunned by the sudden passing of actress Kirstie Alley from colon cancer last December. However, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States annually. According to the American Cancer Society, over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2023. Over 50,000 deaths from colon cancer are also expected to occur this year. Men are slightly more at risk than women, but colon cancer affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Knowing your risk factors and making lifestyle changes to help prevent colon cancer helps save lives. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC examines what can be done to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Who’s Most at Risk of Developing Colon Cancer?
Being at a higher risk of developing colon cancer doesn’t mean you will get this disease. However, if you know you’re at a higher risk, you can talk to your doctor about making healthy changes to lower some of your risk factors. People who are obese and not physically active are at a higher risk than people who maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Smokers may be more at risk. Not all colon cancer risk factors are preventable. For example, men and women are more at risk as they age over 50. You could also be at a greater risk if you have a family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps. Some genetic syndromes and chronic conditions have also been linked to colon cancer, such as inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
What Is Colon Cancer? What Are Common Colon Cancer Symptoms?
Colorectal cancer (called colon cancer, for short) is caused by abnormal cell growths called polyps that form in your colon (large intestine) or rectum (passageway connecting your colon to the anus). Not all polyps become cancerous but removing them before they do so is in your best interest. Because colon cancer is more treatable in its early stages, colon cancer screenings are recommended for most people between 45 and 75. You could have precancerous polyps and not even know it. However, many people show symptoms as colorectal polyps grow. Talk to your doctor if you notice:
- Blood in your stool
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Abdominal pains and cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
What Can Be Done to Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk Factors?
As discussed, some colon cancer risk factors may be preventable through healthy lifestyle changes. Doing the following can help you significantly lower your risk of developing colon cancer:
- Manage a healthy weight through diet and physical exercise
- Incorporate more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber in your diet
- Reduce your consumption of animal fats, red meats, and processed meats
- Quit smoking
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce the development of polyps
- Get regular colon cancer screenings
- Remove precancerous polyps during colonoscopies
How Often Should You Get Screened for Colon Cancer?
One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer is to get regularly screened at least once every 10 years, beginning at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or a chronic condition such as Crohn’s disease, you may want to get screened earlier or more frequently. Talk to your doctor to determine how often you should get colon cancer screenings. Since screenings are considered preventative, they may be covered by your health insurance policy. Talk to your insurance provider.
Focused on Proactive Patients & Healthcare for 50 Years
As a personal injury and medical malpractice law firm based in New York, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has been dedicated to creating proactive patients over the past 50 years. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive more practical insights for managing your family’s healthcare this year.