Colon Cancer Prevention
Colon cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. This cancer usually occurs after the age of 50. Irrespective of ethnicity, men and women are equally vulnerable to colon cancer. Studies have shown that if detected at an early stage, colon cancer could be cured.
People at risk of developing colon cancer
Every adult in his or her mid life have a moderate risk of developing colon cancer. However, people with a family history of colon cancer, Polyposis Coli Syndrome or Cancer Syndrome have the highest risk of developing this cancer. In addition, people suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease have a high risk of developing colon cancer. Often abnormal growths on the wall of the colon, also known as polyps, if left untreated, develop into colon cancer.
However, not all colon polyps develop into colon cancer. Colon polyps are divided into two groups – hyperplastic and adenomatous colon polyps. People diagnosed with adenomatous colon polyps have the greater risk of developing colon cancer.
Colon cancer prevention
Colon cancer screening
Colon cancer could be prevented with regular screening. People with a high risk of developing the disease should visit their physician frequently for colon cancer screening. If a parent or sibling had adenomatous colon polyps, you should undergo colonoscopy at 40 or at an age 10 years younger than the age your first degree relative was diagnosed with adenomatous colon polyps.
Regular screening for colon polyps could reduce the risk of colon cancer. If you have an average risk of developing this cancer, you should begin colon cancer screening when you are 50, followed by screening once in every ten years. Stool test once in every 3 to 5 years could help to detect colon cancer at the pre-malignant or early stage.
Colon cancer prevention diet
Your diet plays an important role in reducing the risk of colon cancer. To prevent colon cancer, limit intake of dietary fats. A high fat diet increases bile acid secretions. Bile acids enter the colon producing secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids are responsible for abnormal tissue growth in the colon. A colon cancer prevention diet should contain adequate dietary fiber, folic acid, calcium, vitamin D and antioxidant rich plant foods.
