Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. Nutritionists and cancer experts have compiled a list of six tips that can help reduce your risk of colon cancer. Alice Bender, head of nutrition programs at the American Institute for Cancer Research, said in a news release, “Research now suggests that 50 percent of colorectal cancers in the United States are preventable each year through diet, weight, and physical activity. That’s about 67,200 cases every year.”
The six evidence-based strategies that can help reduce your risk of colon cancer, according to Bender, are:
- Maintain a healthy weight, control belly fat.
- Get regular exercise and physical activity, which can be as easy as cleaning the house.
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods. For every 10 grams of fiber you consume, your risk of colon cancer decreases by 10 percent.
- Reduce your intake of red meat and avoid processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and deli meat. Processed meat has been shown to increase your risk of colon cancer far greater than red meat.
- Avoid alcohol or limit your intake.
- Consume plenty of garlic.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so experts recommend talking to your doctor about your risk of colon cancer, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of colon cancer. Early screening can help catch colon cancer in its earliest stage where treatment is most successful.
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Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
