7 Steps to a Healthier Colon
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Studies suggest that people can help reduce their risk of colon cancer by living a healthy lifestyle. You have the power to stop colon cancer before it starts!
7 steps to reduce colon cancer
- Get regular colon cancer screenings beginning at age 45. Talk to your doctor about earlier screening if you have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps.
- A diet high in fat, processed foods and red meats increases colon cancer. Limit your consumption of these foods.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts and beans.
- Being overweight or obese increases your risk of colon cancer. Maintain a normal body mass index (BMI), which is a reliable indicator of body fat in most people.
- Exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
- Limit alcohol consumption. If you drink, recommended limits are: Women - one drink a day; Men - two drinks a day
- Smoking increases your risk of polyps and colon cancer. Take steps now to quit smoking.
Be sure to see your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, change in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain or unintentional weight loss. These may be signs of colon cancer.
- Carol Burke, MD
Carol Burke, MD, gastroenterologist in Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute, gives you tips on how to keep your colon healthy.