Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Cancer that starts in the colon may also be called colorectal cancer.
Most colon cancers start as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become colon cancers.
Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. However, colon cancer and polyps can often be detected early through screening tests.
If colon cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat and the chances of a full recovery are much higher.
There are so many things you can do to help reduce the risk. In this content, we’re going to discuss the causes of colon cancer and how you can manage your diet to reduce your risk of developing the disease. We’ll also cover some of the symptoms of colon cancer and discuss how you can identify the disease early on. By arming yourself with the information in this content, you can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer and improve your overall health.
Colon Cancer Causes
There are many factors that can cause colon cancer, and it's a serious health condition that requires careful monitoring. Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) is the third most common type of cancer, and it's one of the deadliest. While there is no one cause of colon cancer, many of the risk factors for this disease include:.
- Genetic factors: Some people are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer because of their genes.
- Family history: If your family has a history of this disease, you're also at a greater risk.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can improve your chances of developing colon cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing this form of cancer, as does being inactive lifestyle.
- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop colon cancer than nonsmokers.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Being sedentary (i.e., sitting too much or inactive) can increase your risk as well.
Prevention tips for Colon Cancer:
following some simple guidelines can help reduce your risk significantly. Some key recommendations include:
- eating a high fiber diet.
- avoiding saturated and trans fats.
- getting plenty of exercise.
- and staying hydrated.
In addition to following these general guidelines, make sure to talk to your doctor (dietitian) about any specific dietary restrictions that you may need to follow in order to reduce your risk further!
Colon Cancer Symptoms
- If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's important to see a doctor: abdominal pain.
- blood in stool.
- constipation.
- diarrhea.
- fatigue.
- weight loss.
- bloating, and cramping.
While there is no one definitive cause of colon cancer, these symptoms may be a sign that you may have the disease.
Prevention Of Colon Cancer:
When it comes to colon cancer prevention, diet is key. The Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults consume at least two servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Also limiting consumption of red meat and refraining from taking in too many processed foods can also help protect your health.
In addition to diet changes, exercise is also important for Colon Cancer Prevention. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. So get moving!
If you do have colon cancer or suspect that you do, speak with your doctor right away. Early diagnosis can significantly improve your chances for survival.
Colon Cancer Dietary Management:
When it comes to managing colon cancer, it's important to remember that the goals of dietary management are to minimise symptoms and maintain a good quality of healthy life. A diet for colon cancer should involve high in fiber and low in fat, as these nutrients have been shown to help reduce symptoms. Common symptoms of colon cancer include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Dietary management may help to reduce these symptoms by providing the individual with the actual type of nutrition.
However, there is no one perfect diet for everyone with colon cancer. Work with a registered dietitian (+2348137323444) to find the best diet for you based on your individual health needs and tumour characteristics. Remember, dietary management is a long-term approach – it's not something that you'll be able to quit once your tumour has been treated. Keep in mind that dietary management is not only about diet: it's also about exercise, stress relief, and social or physical activities. By following a healthy diet and lifestyle regimen along with regular checkups from your healthcare provider, you can help ensure a good quality of life while managing your colon cancer.
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for those with colon cancer. There are certain foods that can help to prevent colon cancer and certain foods that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:
Foods Allowed:
Some of the best foods to eat for colon cancer prevention include:
- whole grains.
- fruits and vegetables
- beans, and nuts.
Foods To Avoid:
There are also some foods that you should avoid if you have colon cancer or are at risk for developing the disease. These include:
- red.
- processed meats.
- high-fat dairy products.
- sugary drinks.
These foods can increase your risk of colon cancer.
See your dietitian to quantify your meal and plan a therapeutic meal for you.
Dietitian (+2348137323444)