Colon Cancer: Do You Know You Can Have It? Facts & Info, Ways to Prevent It

Cancer of the lower part of the digestive tract is called ‘colon cancer’. It comes from the development of malignant cells in the lining or inner wall of the colon. When best treated during colon cancer’s early stages, it gives no symptoms. This is the reason why screening regularly is important when one reaches 50 years old or even earlier if there are more risk factors existing.

Facts about colon cancer

Some factors for colon cancer include presence of colon polyps, family history, and chronic ulcerative colitis. It is the 4th leading type of cancer in females and 3rd in males.

When one reaches 50 years old, one is recommended by doctors to get screened regularly for colon cancer. It is advisable that one be screened earlier if other risk factors are present.

Through x-ray examination of the colon, diagnosis is made or through colonoscopy where the large intestine is viewed using a flexible and long tube with camera. Cancer tissues can be identified when one undergoes biopsy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer.

Lifestyle changes and modification of diet may help one prevent colon cancer. The following can help one prevent the development of the disease.

1. Maintenance of ideal weight. Being overweight or obesity can be associated with a lot of complications. Having excess pounds can also be liked to colon cancer. Obesity can be avoided by watching what you eat and maintaining an active lifestyle.

2. Eating high-fiber foods. It is a good idea to include more high-fiber foods in your daily diet as it help in preventing the formation of colon polyps that might lead to cancer of the large intestine.

3. Loading up on cruciferous vegetables. It helps in neutralizing toxins along the large intestine as it contains sulfur.

4. Consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants as they fight the development of cancer cells.

5. Limiting intake of red meat. A lot of studies show that there is a relation of high intake of red meat and the development of colon cancer.

6. Reducing intake of alcohol. Alcohol intake should me made moderately as it is not only colon cancer that may develop but as well as other types of cancers.

7. Quit smoking.

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