Five Easy and Practical Prevention Tips for March Colon Cancer Awareness Month

By Sondra Forsyth

Former President Bill Clinton declared March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2000, citing that “Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.”

He also noted that colorectal cancer takes such a deadly toll because it usually has no identifiable symptoms and often goes undetected until it is too late to treat. Declaring this important month gives Americans hope in research and the fight against this cancer.

Colorectal cancer and colon cancer are often used interchangeably. To clarify, colon cancer begins in the colon, while colorectal cancer starts in the rectum. Both are considered colorectal cancer and may cause similar symptoms. They can be diagnosed using the same screening methods but differ in treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the estimated number of new colon cancer cases in the U.S. for 2021 will be 104,270, while the estimated number of new rectal cancer cases will be 45,320. Expected to cause 52,980 deaths in 2021, colon cancer and rectal cancer are now the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Here are some tactics and tips from the experts at Gastro MD to lower your risk for colorectal cancer:

1. Separate the truth about colorectal cancer from myth

Your best defense against colon or rectal cancer starts with learning the truth behind the common misconceptions and learning more about detection. Colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum and detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and helps doctors diagnose unexplained changes. While some people are at higher risk because of their lifestyles and genetics, colorectal cancer can be preventable. If found early, it is highly treatable.

2. Get colorectal cancer screening  

Colorectal cancer can be treated if detected early enough. You don’t have to wait until the recommended age of 45 to get tested. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, consult your doctor, who will likely recommend screening.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Many diseases and cancers are linked to being overweight or obese. Excess fat in the body affects your metabolism and reproductive cycles. It can cause chronic inflammation and higher insulin levels in the body, which are believed to help certain cancers develop. Eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly to achieve an ideal weight for your height.

4. Eat foods good for your colon

Eating foods that improve the health of your colon may help prevent colon cancer. Build a diet that is high in protein, vitamin E, vitamin B, and fiber. Studies show inflammation can cause the development of cancer. So you should eat foods that reduce inflammation, such as fresh fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, fruits like strawberries and almonds. Many experts would say that it’s best to avoid processed meats due to the added chemical preservatives.

5. Drink and smoke in moderation or not at all

Alcohol consumption and smoking boost your risk of severe diseases, including colon cancer. The risk for developing colorectal cancer increases as we age is due to lowered immunity. Combine that with smoking and alcohol, and healthy cells in the colon are more likely to develop mutations in their DNA, resulting in cancerous cells that multiply and form tumors.

To learn more about the different screenings performed by gastroenterologists, contact Gastro MD in Tampa. We strive to build a community of cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practices and set the standards in digestive health care.