5 Ways to Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

You might be shocked by the statistics surrounding colon cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 106,590 men and women will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone, and aside from skin cancer, it’s the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.

A colonoscopy is a powerful screening test that allows your doctor to detect polyps, which can become cancerous, very early and remove them. This is important because the earlier an abnormality is found, the sooner treatment can begin and the better the prognosis.

At Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, Dr. Luis Quinones and our team offer the most sophisticated diagnostic capabilities when it comes to detecting colon cancer, as well as advanced treatments. 

Our approach to all patients, no matter what treatment you seek, is to combine deep experience, impressive expertise, and unique sensitivity so you feel safe and completely supported.

Reducing your risk for colon cancer

When it comes to all types of cancer, including colon cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. 

Although you can’t change risk factors that aren’t modifiable, like your gender, race, or age, you can make a difference when it comes to modifiable factors such as lifestyle choices. For example, African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews are more likely to develop colon cancer, as are people with a personal or family history of the disease. 

Latinos’ risk is higher too, but in the new younger age bracket of people that are being diagnosed. Because of the 50% spike in people under 50 being diagnosed with colon cancer, the new colonoscopy guidelines state that a person’s first colonoscopy should take place at age 45 rather than 50. 

Here are some important things you can do to lower your colon cancer risk.

1. Up your physical activity

Increasing your exercise can reduce your colon cancer risk, but it doesn’t have to feel like torture! Aim to engage in activities you enjoy to more easily incorporate exercise into your daily routine. For example, did you know that walking your dog, riding a bike, hiking, gardening, and even cleaning your house all count as exercise? They do!

It’s best to get a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week, or 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, which is completely doable.

2. Fine-tune your diet

Eating better and smarter supports your health. Concentrate on filling your diet with colorful fruits and veggies, lean proteins like chicken and fish, healthy fats like olive oil and avocados, legumes, and nuts and seeds. 

Steer clear of highly processed foods — too many baked goods, fried foods, red meat, and processed meats like deli meats and hot dogs — and limit trips to the fast food drive-through.

3. Watch those extra pounds

Keeping your weight within a normal range is important because obesity is a risk factor for colon cancer — and one you can control. 

You can lose unwanted pounds by following a healthy diet, moving every day, and managing your stress well, which can be achieved by spending time outside, connecting with loved ones regularly, and adopting a mindfulness practice such as meditation.

4. Lower your alcohol intake or eliminate it completely

The more we find out about how alcohol affects our overall health, the more sense it makes to limit our consumption of it — or stop imbibing altogether. 

If you drink, limit your consumption to one drink or less per day if you’re a woman and two or less per day if you’re a man. 

5. Avoid tobacco use

Although there are countless reasons not to use tobacco, this is another. 

If you smoke, look into cessation programs and quit, and if you don’t, promise yourself you won’t ever start. This is something important you can do for your colon health.

It’s empowering to know that these steps can help you lower your risk for colon cancer, but getting screened is critical! Colonoscopies are a must.

If you experience colon cancer symptoms like bloating, gas, bowel movement changes, blood in your stool, or other abnormalities, contact us for testing. If you’re diagnosed with colon cancer, we offer the most advanced treatment options, including highly sophisticated, minimally invasive laparoscopic colon cancer surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Quinones, call our office today or click online to book.