For people at high risk, and even those at low risk, there are lifestyle changes that can decrease your chances of developing colon cancer.
Risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be changed (like diet) but others can not (like having IBD). Risk factors for colon cancer are as follows.
- Age: Older people, specifically over the age of 50, are more likely to get colon cancer, but it can occur in younger people, too.
- Diet: Studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber can contribute to colon cancer.
- Polyps: A polyp is a benign growth on the wall of the colon or rectum. Certain types of polyps can increase the risk of colon cancer. A condition called familial polyposis (which is inherited), results in hundreds of polyps to develop in the rectum and colon. This condition is almost certain to lead to colorectal cancer unless it is treated.
- Medical history: Women who have had cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary are at an increased risk for colon cancer. Additionally, people who have had colon cancer in the past may develop it again.
- Family history: A person whose parent, sibling, or child has had colon cancer is at an increased risk, particularly if the person had cancer at a young age.
- Ulcerative colitis: People with longstanding ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk.
Some people who are at high risk for cancer may never have it, and conversely, some people who are at low risk may develop cancer in their lifetimes. Doctors can't always explain why this happens. Even so, it is important to focus on the risk factors that can be changed to help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
People who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at increased risk for developing colon cancer. It's important to remember that having ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer.
Preventing colon cancer. Screening for colon cancer is a very important prevention factor. Some colon cancers develop from benign polyps. Discovering these polyps early through a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy and having them removed may help prevent colon cancer. Additionally, if evidence of colon cancer is found early, it is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer.
Some dietary changes might be helpful. Lowering fat, calorie content, and meat and alcohol consumption may also help prevent colon cancer. A sedentary (not very physically active) lifestyle combined with a diet high in saturated fats could contribute to colon cancer risk.
Research also suggests that smoking cessation, use of aspirin, decreased alcohol use, exercise, and dietary supplements can also reduce colon cancer risk.
In brief, making the following lifestyle changes can help prevent colon cancer, and lead to a healthier life.
- Get five servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains a day forfiber, calcium and folic acid
- Limit red meat and saturated fat
- Exercise five days a week for at least half an hour
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take aspirin -- one or two baby aspirins a day significantly reduce risk of colorectal cancer
If you're concerned about colon cancer risk, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine your risk, and recommend the prevention methods that will work best for you.
