3 Health Tips for Colon Cancer Prevention

Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in the united states. This year, The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 50,000 people will die from colon cancer. On average, experts estimate that an American has roughly about a 5% chance of developing colon cancer in their lifetime.

These statistics should be alarming and concerning to most people. For everyone who is interested in living a healthy and long lifetime, preventing colon cancer is something to consider very carefully. In this blog post, we’ll cover 3 tips that doctors and gastroenterologists in Arlington often suggest to patients looking to help avoid colon cancer and stay in good health.

• Get a Regular Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a test that allows your Arlington gastroenterologist to examine the inner lining of your large intestine. Getting regular colonoscopies is critical to the early detection of cancer and other potential gastrointestinal issues. Both men and women over 50 should get regular colonoscopies, even if they don’t suspect anything is wrong, to help catch cancer or other issues as quickly as possible.

• Don’t Smoke. This health advice is a given, but many people don’t realize that smoking can raise the risk of colon cancer just as it can for lung cancer. Especially for people who are approaching major risk ages for colon cancer should act aggressively to quit smoking. And while this is easier said than done, remember that today there are many health treatment options to assist you with smoking cessation. Visit your doctor to learn more about these choices and which one is best for you.

• Keep a Healthy Diet. To best avoid the potential development of colon cancer, avoid excess red meat consumption, binge drinking, and overly fatty foods. Losing weight, staying fit, and consuming a healthy diet rich in vitamins and low in problematic foods is a very important factor in reducing your colon cancer risk and promoting overall health and wellbeing.

Ultimately, the reality is that preventing colon cancer isn’t so different than preventing other types of cancers and major health issues. Those who can maintain healthy diets, exercise often, and visit the doctor or gastroenterologist regularly will stand the best chances of avoiding cancer and living a long and healthy life.