Six Powerful Ways To Avoid Colon Cancer By Janet Martin At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

At present, experts estimate that one in two persons is likely to develop colon cancer. Despite breakthroughs in cancer research, the number of people who find themselves suffering from this dreaded disease is staggering. One type of cancer that is increasingly becoming common these days is colon cancer. This is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death among cancer sufferers in the US.

Although some may be genetically predisposed to developing this dreaded disease, there are actually things that you can do to minimize your risk of having colorectal cancer. Below are top six ways to prevent cancer from developing in the colon and rectal area:

Seek Doctor's Advice

The buzzword when it comes to serious illnesses, including colon cancer, is early detection. A patient's survival is higher if he or she found out about the disease in its early stages. Thus, if you think there is blood, whether fresh or not, in your stool, or if you are experiencing unexplainable weight loss and abdominal pains, then you should have yourself checked immediately.

Maintain A Healthy And Active Lifestyle

A study found that a person's risk for colorectal cancer can be reduced by about 40% if he or she exercises regularly. You really do not have to go to the gym everyday to maintain your health; if you are not really a fan of the gym, you can always perform sports and other physical activities that interest you. Playing badminton, swimming, walking, jogging, hiking, dancing, and mountain climbing are good alternatives to exercise in the gym.

Quit Smoking

A number of studies have confirmed the connection between smoking and various illnesses and conditions. Emphysema, lung problems, heart disease and even colorectal cancer are just some of the serious diseases you might have if you continue to smoke or are a recipient of second-hand smoke.

According to research, tobacco is linked to the development or increase in size of polyps or growths that can be cancerous. Moreover, inhalation and swallowing of tobacco also brings carcinogenic substances not only to your lungs, but to your gut as well. You really will benefit nothing from smoking so it is best to ditch this vice as soon as possible.

Undergo Colon Cancer Screening

By the time you reach 40, you should include stool and digital rectal exam in your annual physical check up as a precautionary measure. By the time you reach 50, it is imperative that you get a colonoscopy every ten years. If you think you are at a high risk of having colon cancer, then have this exam every half a decade. The reason behind having yourself screened for colon cancer when you reach 50 is that over 90% of sufferers of colon cancer in the US are over 50 years old.

You should also ask your doctor about genetic counseling, especially if you have close blood relations who had colon cancer or other malignant growths.

Watch Your Weight

It seems that men and women who are obese are more likely to have this type of cancer than people who are of normal weight. Experts also believe that the kind of body you are in can also be an indication if you are predisposed to having this disease. Research has found that individuals with an apple-shaped body, where fat is concentrated in the waist area, are not only prone to heart conditions and diabetes, but also to colon cancer.

Be Mindful Of What You Eat

There are a lot of thin people who are not healthy. Thus, even if you are thin, there is no guarantee that you will not develop this serious illness. One of the best ways to maintain a healthy body is by eating right. Make sure that you consume at least nine servings of fruits and vegetables a week and drink plenty of water.

Alternative practitioners recommend colon cleansing as a way to cleanse your gut from the buildup of toxins and waste products. If you have been eating junk, processed, and fatty foods all your life, there is a big possibility that your intestines might not be in good shape. Detoxification can help clean deep-seated wastes in your colon.

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