Take Steps To Prevent Colon Cancer

Expert Author Jennifer Sandberg Colon Cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and among the top contributors of cancer-related death. But it is also one of the more treatable and preventable cancers. Since March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, it is a good time to learn about prevention. It's important to know the facts as well as the proactive steps that you can take to protect yourself and reduce your risk factors. Are you at Risk? The statistics and estimates are initially frightening. In 2011, it is estimated that 141,000 people will be diagnosed with colon-colorectal cancer and approximately 50,000 people will die from the disease. However, according to an America Cancer Society report more than half of these deaths could be prevented by screening. In addition, studies suggest that a healthy diet is vital in reducing colon cancer risk. One of the common misconceptions is that only individuals with a family history of colon-colorectal cancer need to be concerned. In fact, statistics show that only 1 in 5 people who are diagnosed with colon-colorectal cancer have a family history; Which means that most people diagnosed with this cancer have no genetic connection to the disease. Diet and Exercise It is well known that exercise, diet, nutrition and other lifestyle factors are connected to cancer prevention. What is interesting is that out of all the cancers, colon-colorectal cancer is most impacted by food choices, exercise habits and your weight. Regular colorectal screening is extremely important in preventing this cancer. Polyps can be identified in their early stage and removed before they can develop into cancer. In addition, you can really play a big role in preventing this cancer by choosing the right foods, getting rid of the wrong ones and making sure that there is plenty of physical activity in your life. Maintain Healthy Changes Many of us find it challenging to make long-lasting lifestyle changes. We read about cancer or some other disease, get scared or concerned and vow to make changes in our lives. Some of us get overwhelmed with trying to figure out what to eat and what to do so we never even get started. Many others start to make changes but several weeks later, when the fear motivation dissipates, we return to our original habits. Using a Health Coach can often make a huge difference. A Health Coach not only provides education, support and guidance but also helps you implement an individualized program to address your specific goals. The approach is to make incremental lifestyle changes in a supported, energized and motivated environment so that you are much more likely to stick with it for the long haul. Studies show that individuals who work with health coaches are more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. Eating healthier, weight loss and using nutrition to treat disease are some of the goals that individuals have when they work with a Health Coach. Tips for Reducing Your Risk Below are several tips for reducing your risk for colon-colorectal cancer. Colon Cancer Prevention Tips 1. Schedule regular colorectal screenings 2. Include lots of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower in your diet as well as colorful fruits and whole grains 3. Eat calcium rich foods such as leafy green vegetables 4. Limit your intake of processed meats or red meat 5. Take steps to maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight increases your risk for colon cander so you should take active steps to start a weight loss program. 6. Some studies suggest that vitamin D can help reduce cancer risk yet most people are Vitamin D deficient. Check your vitamin D levels (simple blood test) and consider taking supplements. 7. Exercise regularly 8. Avoid smoking and avoid drinking too much alcohol

Source: http://www.212articles.com/take-steps-to-prevent-colon-cancer/

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