The month of March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women and is the third most diagnosed form of cancer. Every year, approximately 140,000 people in the United States are diagnosed and more than 50,000 people die. As you can see, colorectal cancer is not something to take lightly and while these can be scary statistics, there are a few measures we can take to keep ourselves healthy.
Top Prevention Tips:
Screenings:
o The American Cancer Society recommends those over the age of 45 begin screenings for colorectal cancer.
o Those who have a genetic link, family history, have ulcerative colitis, IBD, or Chron’s disease, and those experiencing symptoms such as pain, blood, or other irregularities should be screened before the age of 45.
Healthy Eating:
o Research has shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant- based foods reduce the risk of certain diseases and cancer, including colorectal cancer.
o Consuming a diet rich in fiber promotes bowel regularity and helps with weight maintenance which has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
o Avoiding alcohol or practicing moderation may reduce your chances of developing certain types of cancers.
Regular Exercise:
o Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of certain diseases and cancers as it helps maintain a healthy body weight. Colon polyps are more likely to develop in individuals that are overweight or obese.
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