6 Tips To Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a common cancer among men and women of varying ages. If you have risk factors for colon cancer or a family history of the disease, you may be worried about getting diagnosed with it. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting colon cancer. Here is how.
Get Down to a Healthy Weight
Obesity is a common risk factor for colorectal cancer. Therefore, if you are currently carrying around too many pounds, it may be a good time to lose some weight. You can do this by reducing your caloric intake and increasing your exercise. Try to eat mostly nutritious foods like chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Cut Down Your Intake of Red and Processed Meats
If you regularly at red meat and processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats, you can increase your chances of getting colon cancer. Although these meats may be tasty, reducing your intake can reduce your risk of colon cancer and improve your overall health.
Stop Smoking
Quitting tobacco can reduce your risk of many health conditions, including colon cancer. Stopping the habit may not be easy, but it is completely worth the effort. If you do not believe that you can quit smoking on your own, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
While having an occasional cocktail is generally harmless, you should avoid drinking too heavily. Consuming too much alcohol can increase your risk of colon cancer and other diseases.
Exercise More
It never hurts to get more exercise. Being active can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer and many other health issues. Therefore, you should try to exercise most days of the week, whether it is going for walks or joining a gym.
Add Onion and Garlic to Your Foods
Onion and garlic do not just add delicious flavor to your foods. They can also decrease your risk of getting colon cancer. As such, you should try to add them to your foods. For example, you may want to think about adding onions and garlic to your pasta dishes.
The idea of getting colon cancer is scary. However, if you follow these helpful tips, you may be able to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with the disease. If you have more questions about colon cancer, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor right away.