Colon Cancer Overview
Cancer is a general term used to describe abnormal growth of cells and tissues
in our body. The substances or factors that result in cancer are generally termed
as carcinogenic agents. Cancer may be caused due to a variety of conditions such
as heredity, infections, as a complication of certain disorders or due to certain
habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Colon cancer is considered as
the 3rd major cause of death in men and the 4th major cause in women. According
to the American Cancer Society, about 112,000 people in the United States are
diagnosed
with colon cancer every year.
Prevention Better than Cure!
Numerous steps are available for prevention of colon cancer. Knowing the risk factors and following steps to avoid them can help you in avoiding the occurrence of colon cancer. Following are some of the methods of colon cancer prevention.
Obesity
Being obese increases your risk of acquiring a number of disorders among which colon cancer may be the major one. Controlling your bodyweight is quite essential in colon cancer prevention. This may be through diet, exercise or any other approved methods.
Habits
Habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with increased risk of colon cancer. Complete smoking cessation and moderating the amount of alcohol consumption reduces your risk of developing colon cancer. What more? Your quality of life also improves with this decision of yours.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Following the occurrence of menopause the levels of different hormones in the body of a woman is altered. This may increase the risk of developing different disorders. It was observed that hormone replacement therapy involving the administration of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone was associated with decrease in the risk of colon cancer in women in postmenopausal age.
Diet
What we eat decides what our body gets; beneficial nutrients or toxic substances. A proper balanced meal containing most of the essential nutrients is necessary for good health in general and prevention of numerous disorders as a whole. Some studies have demonstrated that consumption of a diet that is low in fat content and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables can be beneficial in colon cancer prevention. However, individual people require individual diet and hence it is always better to consult a doctor before you begin your colon cancer prevention diet.
Consumption of vitamin D and folic acid supplements may have some benefits in colon cancer prevention, but further research is required to substantiate this benefit in colon cancer.
Herbal Supplements
Numerous herbal supplements such as green tea and other herbs have been shown to be effective in preventing the occurrence of colon cancer. Many of these supplements have anti-cancer effects wherein they limit or prevent the progression of the cancer cells. These substances may not only be beneficial in prevention of colon cancer but also may have general benefits in your body.
Periodic Screening
Screening for the presence of colon cancer has been advised in certain individuals with high risk. These risk factors include: age above 50 years, family history of colon cancer or formation of polyps and presence of other disorders of the colon such as inflammatory bowel disease. The screening procedures generally employ procedures such as stool tests, sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy (viewing the colon with a tube like device), and abdomen X-rays. The screening procedures are advised at regular intervals and help you to take early measures for colon cancer prevention.
Start early and prevent colon cancer!
Some Beneficial Tips
- Eat healthy foods, fruits and vegetables everyday
- Exercise regularly – at least 30 min a day for 5 days in a week
- Stop smoking
- Meet the doctor when ill, don’t ignore symptoms
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