You Can Help Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk: Expert
03/08/13
FRIDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Colorectal cancer is the
second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but
there are ways you can help prevent it, an expert says.
"Colorectal cancer surpasses breast and prostate cancers as a leading cause of cancer death in men and women," Dr. James Yoo, an assistant professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said in a university news release.
"It is largely preventable with early screening and detection," said Yoo, who also is chief of the colon and rectal surgery program.
He outlined a number of ways to reduce your risk of colorectal
cancer:
- Get regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50 if
you are at normal risk. If you are at higher risk -- due to a
personal or family history of colorectal cancer, other cancers or
inflammatory bowel disease -- talk to your doctor about screenings
before age 50.
- Eat between 25 and 30 grams of fiber each day from fruits,
vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole-grain breads and cereals. You
should also eat a low-fat diet. Colorectal cancer has been
associated with diets high in saturated fat. Be sure your diet
includes foods with folate, such as leafy green vegetables.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Quit smoking.
Alcohol and tobacco combined are linked to colorectal and other
gastrointestinal cancers.
- Get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day three to four times a
week. Even moderate exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing
stairs may help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
- Tell your doctor about any persistent symptoms, such as blood
in the stool, a change in bowel habits, weight loss, stools that
are narrower than usual, abdominal pains or other gastrointestinal
problems.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity may raise the risk of
colorectal cancer.
More information
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about
colorectal cancer prevention.
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