Colorectal cancer also known as colon cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types globally. This cancer could be hereditary but studies have shown that there are factors like diet and lifestyles. This may contribute to the occurrence of the disease in an individual.
Diet and the Risk of CRC
Foods that are good for health such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can minimize the risk of developing colorectal cancer. On the other hand, the consumption of foods such as red and processed meats, sugars, and unhealthy fats may put people at a greater risk of this condition.
- Cut Back on Processed Meat: Eating processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon has been found to increase the incidences of colorectal cancer. This is because processed meat contains preservatives and other chemicals that may cause harm to cells in the colon.
- Eat More Fiber: Consuming foods with low fiber increases the possibility of developing colon cancer. Fiber aids in moving food through the colon and assists in eliminating substances that cause cancer. Some examples of fiber-containing foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and legumes.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium and vitamin D are nutrients that play an essential role in the proper functioning of cells in the colon. Some of the sources of calcium and vitamin D include; dairy products, green leafy vegetables and cereals.
Lifestyle Habits and the Risk of CRC
Apart from nutrition, other behaviors may influence the chance of developing colorectal cancer.
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity should be encouraged as it reduces the possibility of developing colorectal cancer. Ideally, it is recommended to engage in at least thirty minutes of exercise at moderate intensity every day.
- Obesity: This is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of over 30. Being overweight or obese is a major factor in the development of colorectal cancer. Obesity can be reduced through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Quit Smoking: Cigarette smoking is identified to be one of the risk factors for development of colorectal cancer. Prevention and control of this disease include abstaining from smoking.
- Reduce Alcohol Intake: Drinking alcohol can be dangerous, this is because excessive consumption of alcohol increases the chances of developing colorectal cancer. The risk is reduced if you do not consume more than one drink per day if you are a woman. Two standard drinks per day if you are a man.
Reducing Your Risk
There are some risks to developing colorectal cancer that you cannot control, like your genes or your age, but there are ways to lower your risk. This makes it important for everyone to ensure that they pay attention to the foods they eat and engage in a lot of physical activity.
Additionally, getting screened for colorectal cancer reduces the chances of getting the disease. It also helps you to detect it at early stages, when it is more treatable.
Conclusion
Cancer of the colon or rectum is as dangerous as many forms of cancer, but one can still prevent it. Avoiding unhealthy choices like being overweight, having poor nutrition and avoiding exercise can assist in reducing the chances of getting the disease.
