4 Tips That Can Reduce The Risk Of Developing Colon Cancer
4 Tips That Can Reduce The Risk Of Developing Colon Cancer
Generally, a "healthy" dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, seafood, milk and dairy products is associated with lower CRC (colorectal cancer) risk.
Written By: Tavishi Dogra | Updated : May 30, 2024 12:33 PM IST
Colon cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the large intestine. Rectal cancer is a type of colon cancer that grows in the rectum, which is the part of the intestine closest to the anus. According to the Globocan Report 2018, this contributes 9.2% of all significant cancer incidences worldwide. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA, whereas, in India, Colon cancer ranks 8th and rectal cancer 9th amongst males.
Dr Shaesta Mehta, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Tata Memorial Hospital, explains how the survival rate can significantly improve with early diagnosis and treatment:
Never ignore new symptoms or those that persist despite treatment. Regardless of your age, do not hesitate to consult a Gastroenterologist if you have any of these: blood in the stool, change in bowel habits or shape and size of stool, rectal pain, abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss, or unexplained or new-onset anaemia.
In India, those individuals with a higher risk, such as those with a family history of cancers of the colon, breast, uterus or kidney or a personal history of colon cancer or colon and rectal polyps or longstanding inflammatory bowel disease, need to take the advice of a Gastroenterologist to undergo screening and surveillance colonoscopy.
Generally, a "healthy" dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, seafood, milk and dairy products is associated with lower CRC risk.
Factors That May decrease the risk of Carcinogenesis in the Colon and Rectum with convincing evidence are Aspirin, NSAIDs, and COX-2 inhibitors, Calcium supplements, Dairy products, Foods containing dietary fibre, Hormone replacement therapy (estrogen), Low body mass, Vigorous physical activity, Whole grains.
Alcoholic drinks, Body fatness, Developmental factors leading to greater linear growth (adult attained height), Processed meat, Red meat consumption, and refined grain and refined sugar intake may increase carcinogenesis in the colon and rectum.
Screening: According to the US Multi-Society Task Force, adults aged 45 to 75 who are at average risk for colorectal cancer should get screened with colonoscopy every ten years, as opposed to the stool FIT test (a Fecal Immunochemical Test that can detect blood in the stool) or FIT-DNA test (the only current FDA-approved test available is Cologuard), which you have to undergo every one year.
Most colon polyps are harmless: A polyp is a small clump of cells on the colon's lining. However, some can develop into colorectal cancer, which is often fatal when found in its later stages. Because colon polyps do not usually cause symptoms, regular colorectal screenings, such as colonoscopy, are essential. Removing polyps with Colonoscopy reduces the risk of Colorectal Cancer and saves lives.
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