Prevent Colon Cancer

Colon cancer affects mostly people over the age of 50, but it can be seen in adults of any age. Those who are at a higher risk of getting colon cancer have a strong family history of colon cancer, a history of polyps in their colon or rectum or a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Other factors which play a significant role in increasing the risks of colon cancer include: lifestyle, diet, smoking and being overweight.

In this article I will offer some advice on prevent colon cancer.

Instructions

1. Early screening and testing for risks or signs of colon cancer is key to early detection and a better prognosis for recovery. In other words, catching it in time can save your life. The American Cancer Society recommends several options in screening for colon cancer in people over age 50. One particluar test is a yearly FOBT (fecal occult blood test) or FIT (fecal immunochemical test).

2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years should be another testing option in screening for colon cancer if you are over age 50. A sigmoidoscopy instrument, which is a long, thin rubber tube with a tiny camera attached at one end, is inserted into the rectum and slowly manipulated to move up into the colon. The camera allows the doctor to view the walls of the bowels as it traverses along the colon for signs of polyps or early cancer. It can also detect signs of bleeding or ulcerations to the bowel lining tissue for other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Lifestyle and eating habits can play significant roles in increasing the risk of colon cancer. Many research studies have linked fatty diets, certain foods and spices to increasing your predisposition to colon cancer. Eat a healthy, low-fat diet and include plenty of fruits and vegetables to increase your daily fiber intake. Fiber stimulates the bowel walls to move the food and waste down the colon, increase absorption of nutrients and water into the body and eventually help to pass the toxic, nitrogenous waste products out of the body. Fiber will also help to reduce the chances of constipation.

4. Drink plenty of water to help eliminate waste products from the bowels and prevent dehydration. It is recommended to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses each day to replenish your body with fluids. Try mineral water or SmartWater with electrolytes added.

Tags: colon cancer, colon cancer, bowel disease, inflammatory bowel, inflammatory bowel disease, people over