Cancer is a word that can invoke fear and dread in many people. The big C is not a welcome visitor at any time. But- let’s see if we can decrease that fear a little by talking about what we can do to prevent cancer. We will be focusing on Colon Cancer for our discussion here, but many of the risk factors we will talk about can be applied to other types of cancer as well.Fist of all- is there anyone out there who is not at risk for Colon Cancer? Well- no…Everyone has some risk factors. But, there are risk factors that we can control and risk factors we cannot.
Let’s talk about the risk factors we cannot control.
Age: The years pass no matter what we do! As we get older, our bodies have been exposed to more toxins, and the wear and tear on our bodies can increase our risk Colon Cancer is found in older adults over 50 more often than in younger people, but like we stated before, no one is immune.
Gender: women have a higher risk of developing Colon Cancer.
Polyps: have you scheduled that colonoscopy yet? The colonoscopy is an examination of part of our bowel where polyp’s can form. Having polyps is considered a risk factor. Early detection through the screenings recommended by your Dr. can help you avoid cancer later.
Personal history: looking at how your general health is can sway the colon cancer pendulum. Having a prior experience with other types of cancer will increase your risk of colon cancer. Also, your family history plays an important role here. If someone in your immediate family had colon cancer, your risk increases as well.
Diet- Love those double whoppers, French fries and chocolate shakes? Well, eating a diet high in fat and low in fiber will add to your risk.
Perhaps you are a little overwhelmed by the things we have no control over. Let’s consider the things we can control.
Diet: Lose the Fat! Add lots of fiber to your diet, and you are taking a very positive step towards overall colon health.
Exercise: get that body moving! Losing extra weight and toning our muscles is like building a fortress against the big C.
Don’t Smoke! Tobacco is chock-full of nasty chemicals. Do you really want to be inhaling that crap into your lungs and body system?
Don’t drink too much alcohol! While a glass of red wine is good for you, a bottle of wine is not. Practice moderation.
Decrease Stress: Learning to cope with stress in our lives is a fantastic way to shore up our immune system. Simple things like developing an attitude of gratitude, meditation, and even spending a few minutes each day in quiet contemplation can keep a harmonious life force around us.
Taking control over the things we can will help us be better balanced, and better equipped to keep our body healthy, and most importantly free from colon cancer.