In recent years, the incidence of colon cancer among young people has been on the rise. The American Cancer Society recently updated its colon cancer screening guidelines, recommending that most people have their first colonoscopy by age 45. Regardless of your age, the following five steps can help prevent colon cancer.
1. Eat more vegetables and healthy fats
Salwa Bakkali-Derksen, MD, an internist at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna, Minnesota, points out that research shows that a Western diet is associated with higher rates of colon cancer.
People who eat high-fiber foods are less likely to develop colon cancer. It is recommended to limit the intake of meat, especially processed meat, and consume healthy fats such as olive oil, Omega-3-rich salmon, avocados and nuts, as well as in oils. Fried foods are limited to low in processed fat.
2 Take action
Exercise is known to be good for heart health and maintain weight.
3. Monitor weight
The American Cancer Society states that being overweight increases the risk of colon cancer, as well as breast cancer (in postmenopausal women), rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney cancer. Your weight should be controlled within a normal range.
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