Saturday, March 1, 2008

Ten Tips To Lower Colon Cancer Risk

March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

How many of us have lost a loved one to colorectal cancer? Too many - since colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Thankfully, at least 60 percent of colon cancer deaths can be prevented by timely screening alone. In addition, certain lifestyle practices may lower the risk of developing polyps or cancer in the first place. Here is our top ten.

1. Relish salads - Green leafy veggies are high in folic acid, vitamin B6, and lutein, all of which are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Top them off with a little extra virgin olive oil based dressings and a few berries for an extra punch.

2. Step into the sun - Vitamin D obtained through moderate, sensible sun exposure, has been shown to significantly lower the odds that colon cancer will darken our lives.

3. Give beans about it! - Countries with the highest bean consumption have a lower death rate from colon cancer. As an extra step, saponins, a phytochemical found in beans, might prevent colon cancer cells already present from multiplying.

4. Stand up and dance - Women who exercise more than four hours per week, drop their risk of colorectal cancer 40 percent.

5. Stay away from "cancer sticks" - Studies on smoking and colon cancer are inconsistent, but the risk of rectal cancer is nearly doubled for those who puff.

6. Consider fiber more important than a component of cute clothes - While U.S. studies fail to show a protective effect of fiber on colon cancer, European studies with a higher intake of fiber (35 grams) show promise. A study published in the journal Lancet suggests that people with a low average fiber intake can drop their risk of colon cancer by 40 percent - simply by doubling daily fiber.

7. Go Whole - Whole grains appear to lower the risk - especially the risk of rectal cancer.

8. For us ladies - The calcium we use to keep our bones strong does not appear to lower the risk of colon cancer, at least in postmenopausal women, but it does make it less likely that we will experience regrowth of colon polyps - some of which can lead to cancer.

9. Don't dedicate your life to your job - Certain occupations, such as fire-fighting, raise the risk of colon cancer. Familiarize yourself with workplace risks. More on this later.

10. Be a lean machine - Obesity, especially in men and younger women, raises the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Our January 11th blog entry describes the connection. In the studies "younger women" are considered those aged 50 to 69. Parden me while I retreat to send a love note to that researcher that makes me a babe!

Of course, screening is very important in lowering deaths from colorectal cancer. Current guidelines can be found here. Taking a thorough family history and sharing it with your health care provider is imperative. In some cases, screening should begin much earlier. Many people put off screening - and for a multitude of obvious reasons! See our recent post for insights on turning this dreaded task into a cause for celebration!For further information on cancer prevention, visit our web site, or read "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer."