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Colorectal Cancer Prevention: 8 Tips for Reducing Your Risk
Colorectal cancer is the third major cause of cancer-related death in the United States. However, adopting suitable preventive measures can help reduce your risk of colon cancers.
Agreed, some risk factors like family history and age cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications targeting exercise, diet, and weight can reduce your risk of having this condition.
This article will share eight tips to help you reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
1. Eat more plant-based foods
Eating plant-based foods is one of the best ways to minimize your risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that plant-based diets that contain lots of legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can drastically reduce your risk of colon cancer and other kinds of cancers as well. For example, a 2018 study published in the journal of Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America found that our risk of colon cancer is affected by what we eat. Consuming vegetables, fruits, and fibers decrease the risk of colon cancer. Conversely, eating processed and red meat increases the risk.
2. Eat less processed meats and red meats
Reducing your intake of processed and red meats, such as ground beef, steak, hot dogs, and lunch meats, can cause a drastic reduction in your risk of colon cancer.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute involving over 478,000 men and women found that intake at least 5 ounces of red meat daily increased their risk of developing colon cancer compared to those at less than an ounce of red meat a day.
3. Limit or avoid alcohol intake
Limiting or altogether avoiding alcohol consumption can reduce your risk of colon cancer. One of the guidelines released by the American Cancer Society towards reducing cancer risk is limiting alcohol consumption. This implies that women should take one drink per day and two drinks per day for men.
A study by the World Health Organization published in The Lancet Oncology found a strong link between alcohol intake and a high risk of colon.
