There are a number of ways to help prevent colon cancer. In addition to receiving medical tests that help detect the disease early on, you can make a number of lifestyle changes to reduce your colon cancer risk.
Key Points
A Natural Approach to Colon Cancer Prevention
To date, few natural remedies or alternative therapies have been found to play a significant role in colon cancer prevention. However, preliminary research suggests that the following substances may help reduce colon cancer risk to some degree. Here’s a look at some key study findings:
1. Vitamin D
A 2010 study found that high blood levels of vitamin D may be linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.
Analyzing data on 1,248 people with colorectal cancer and the same number of healthy individuals,
researchers determined that those with the highest levels of vitamin D had a 40% reduced risk of colon cancer compared to those with the lowest levels.
2. Folate
Making sure you consume enough folate (a B vitamin found in foods like spinach, asparagus, and fortified cereals) may lower your risk of colon cancer, according to a 2005 meta-analysis of 16 previously published studies. The recommended daily intake of folate is 400 mcg for most adults. Pregnant women should consume 600 mcg daily, while breast-feeding women should consume 500 mcg daily.
3. Quercetin
In lab tests on cell cultures, scientists have demonstrated that quercetin may help stall the growth of colon cancer. What’s more, a 2010 population-based study of 672 people found that dietary intake of quercetin may be linked with a reduced risk of colon cancer.
An antioxidant available in supplement form, quercetin is naturally found in foods like apples, onions, and berries.
4. Tea
According to an animal study published in 2001, white tea may help inhibit the growth of aberrant crypts (a precursor to colon cancer).
Green tea has also been found to fight colon cancer in animal-based research and test-tube studies. However, the available scientific data is insufficient to conclude that any type of tea may prevent colon cancer in humans.
Other Approaches to Prevention
Try these strategies recommended by the American Cancer Society to lower your risk of colon cancer:
1. Screening
Most people should begin regular colon cancer screening at age 50. However, those with a family history of colon cancer (or with other risk factors for the disease) should consult their physician about starting screening before age 50.
2. A well-balanced diet
Eating five or more servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables each day, choosing whole grains over processed grains, and cutting back on processed and red meats may help prevent colon cancer.
3. Exercise
For colon cancer prevention, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on five or more days of the week. Getting at least 45 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity five or more times per week may further reduce your colon cancer risk.
4. Limiting Alcohol Consumption
In addition to avoiding smoking, you should limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.
NSAIDs and Colon Cancer Prevention
A number of studies suggest that people who regularly use aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a lower risk of colon cancer. However, since NSAIDs can cause serious side effects
(including bleeding from stomach irritation), it’s important to consult your physician before taking these drugs on a regular basis. In fact, the American Cancer Society notes that “experts do not recommend NSAIDs as a cancer prevention strategy for people at average risk of developing colonic cancer.”
The Causes of Colon Cancer
In most cases, colon cancer begins with the formation of precancerous growths (polyps) that become cancerous over time. Although the cause of colon cancer is unknown,
The following may increase the risk of the disease:
- I am over age 60.
- has a family history of colon cancer.
- I’ve had breast cancer in the past.
- In the presence of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis),
- Diabetes type 2
- the presence of cancer elsewhere in the body.
- A diet high in red or processed meat is
- lack of physical activity.
- smoking cigarettes
- drinking alcohol
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Although colon cancer often produces no symptoms, some people with colon cancer may experience the following:
- A change in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea or constipation)
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- tenderness in the lower abdomen
- rectal bleeding or bloody stool.
- intestinal obstruction
- narrow stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained anaemia
- fatigue
“If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, consult your doctor as soon as possible”.
Alternative Medicine and Colon Cancer Prevention
Due to the lack of science behind their colon-cancer-fighting effects, it’s important not to rely solely on any of the above natural remedies as a means of colon cancer prevention.
