Prevent Colon Cancer | How to tips and tricks

Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is malignant cell growth in the lower large intestine, colon, and rectum. It has the potential to spread to other organs, making it a very dangerous form of cancer. Fortunately, early detection is possible with regular screening. In addition, there are a number of lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

Knowing Risk Factors
Take risk factors seriously. With regular screening, colon cancer is treatable and may be prevented. Knowing your risk factors will dictate when you start getting screened. Being aware of certain medical and lifestyle risks can help you catch colon cancer early and give you a high chance of survival. Most colon cancers occur after age 50, and African-Americans are at higher risk than other races.

Investigate family history
If you have one or more relatives who have had colon cancer, your chances of getting the disease increases.[3] If you have a family history of colon cancer, you should consult your doctor and see if he would recommend screening.

Learn medical risk factor
Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase your risk for colon cancer. If you've been diagnosed with either of these conditions, you are at an increased risk and should consult with your doctor regularly..

Assess lifestyle
Certain lifestyles put you at greater risk for colon cancer. There are a number of these, including: Being overweight or obese. Sedentary lifestyle. Smoking. Drinking heavily (more than two drinks a day) A diet high in red meat and processed foods or low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables

Learn the symptoms
If you have experienced any of the following, you should visit a doctor. Blood in your stool. Persistent stomach pain. Rapid weight loss without trying.

Medical Screening
Get screened. Fortunately, colon cancer often begins as benign colorectal polyps. Removal prevents them from growing into cancerous tumors.[7] Because of this, medical experts agree that the most effective way to prevent colon cancer is through regular screening. For normal adults with no risk factors, screening should begin at age 50. Adults with specific risk factors should begin earlier. Consult your doctor and see when he would recommend you begin screening if you have one or more risk factors for colon cancer.

Different screening methods
While your doctor can recommend which test will work best for you, it helps to know what to expect with some of these tests. Colonoscopy. This test involves inserting a camera into the colon and getting a full internal view. This is usually considered the most accurate test. Another advantage is that if the doctor spots any polyps or growths, he can remove them on the spot.[8] CT Colonography.

Getting screened regularly
This usually varies from every five to ten years, depending on the particular test and the findings of your last screening. Sticking to this regular schedule can significantly decrease your risk for colon cancer. However, your doctor may recommend stool tests more frequently.

Diet
Eat plenty of fiber. Fiber helps waste move smoothly through your digestive system. This is significant because waste buildup is thought to cause polyps that eventually develop into cancer. Not only can increasing your fiber intake help prevent cancer, but it is good for your overall health. There are several high-fiber foods that you could easily add to your diet. Fresh fruits, especially berries with seeds. Leave the skin on all the fruit you eat, as this will give you the highest amount of fiber. Vegetables. Leafy and crunchy vegetables usually offer the highest amount of fiber. For potatoes, leave the skin on to get the most fiber. Whole grains. White products have been bleached and lack many of the nutrients found in whole grain products.