Colon Cancer Support Group

Top 10 Colon Cancer Prevention Tips
Colon cancer is one of the
most common, and yet
preventable, cancers. To
help protect yourself and
loved ones from the disease, follow
these ten colon cancer prevention tips.
1. Go to a doctor if you have any
colon cancer symptoms. Usually,
colon cancer doesn’t have any
symptoms. However, in the later
stages, symptoms may include thin
stools, cramping, unexplained
weight loss, and bloody stools.
2. If you’re 50 or older, schedule a
colon cancer screening. Then
actually go to the appointment.
Research indicates that by age 50,
one in four people has
polyps (colon cancer precursors).
Getting screened is an excellent
colon cancer prevention method.
3. Eat a balanced diet. Diets high in
fat and cholesterol (especially from
animal sources) have been linked
to increased colon cancer risk.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. All other
things equal, obese men seem to be more
at risk for colon cancer than obese
women. Also, certain body types seem to
influence risk more than others. Studies
indicate that extra fat in the waist (an
apple shape) increases colon cancer risk
more than extra fat in the thighs or hips
(a pear shape).
5. Maintain an active lifestyle. Research
indicates that exercising can reduce colon
cancer risk by as much as 40%. Exercise
also tends to reduce the incidence of
other risk factors for colon cancer, like
obesity and diabetes.
6. Consider genetic counseling. People
who carry genetic mutations are the most
likely to develop the disease. If someone
in your family has FAP, HNPCC, or if
you’re of Ashkenazi Jewish descent,
please consider genetic counseling.
7. Learn your family medical history. A
family history of polyps and certain
cancers (such as colorectal, stomach, and
liver) may increase your risk.
8. Talk to a doctor about your personal
9. Don’t smoke. Yes, it’s a risk factor
for colon cancer too. Smoking
increases your colon cancer risk
two main reasons. First, inhaled
swallowed tobacco smoke transports
carcinogens to the colon.
Second, tobacco use appears
increase polyp size.
10. Reduce radiation exposure.
According to the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services,
colon cancer has been caused
doses of about 1,000 millisieverts.
Donna Myers
Your Guide to Colon Cancer
http://coloncancer.about.com
e-mail: coloncancer.guide@about.com
For more information about
colon cancer prevention, causes,
symptoms, screening, and
treatment, please visit:
http://coloncancer.about.com