Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. A number of risk factors increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be changed (like diet) but others can not (like having inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]). Some risk factors for colon cancer are:- IBD: People who have IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) are at an increased risk of developing cancer.
- Age: Older people, specifically over the age of 50, are more likely to get colon cancer, but it can occur in younger people, too.
- Diet: Studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber can contribute to colon cancer.
- Being overweight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important to overall health and preventing the development of cancer.
- Polyps: A colon polyp is a growth on the wall of the colon or rectum. Some polyps in some people can develop into colon cancer. The presence of polyps increases the risk of colon cancer, which is why screening colonoscopies are recommended to check for polyps and to remove any that are there.
- Personal medical history: A person with a history of colon cancer has an increased likelihood of developing a second colon cancer.
- Family history: A person whose parent, sibling, or child has had colon cancer is at an increased risk, particularly if the person had cancer at a young age. A genetic syndrome known as HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer) syndrome puts affected people at great risk of developing colon as well as uterine, gastric, urothelial and pancreaticobiliary cancers. Screening is particularly critical in these patients.
Screening for colon cancer is important for prevention. Most colon cancers develop from benign polyps. Discovering these polyps during a colonoscopy and having them removed may help prevent colon cancer. Ask your doctor how often you need colonoscopies for colon cancer surveillance.
In brief, the following lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing colon cancer, and lead to a healthier life.
- Get five servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains a day for fiber, calcium and folic acid.
- Limit consumption of red meat and saturated fat.
- Exercise five days a week for at least half an hour.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
posted by emedinfo
@8:53 PM
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