Tips on How to Prevent Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a cancer of the large intestine.  Most colon cancer cases begin as polyps, a small benign groups of cells.  If left untreated, polyps can become cancerous and colon cancer forms.  Unlike most types of cancer, colon cancer can be prevented in some cases.

Polyps themselves have few symptoms and most people don't experience any symptoms.  There are ways to lower the risk of colon cancer, including diet and screenings.  

• Schedule a colon cancer screen with your doctor when you turn 50.  Both men and women should get a colonoscopy every five years.  A colonoscopy can detect polyps during their early stages so they can be removed before turning into cancerous cells.


• Eat a low fat and healthy fat diet.  Studies show a link between diets high in fat, especially animal fat, and colon cancer.  


• Eat a high fiber diet with plenty of whole grains.  Eating more whole grains has been shown to prevent colon cancer.


• Exercise regularly to cut the risk of colon cancer by up to 40 percent.  Exercise also reduces the risk factors for colon cancer which include diabetes and obesity.


• Maintain a healthy weight.  Obesity is one risk factor for developing colon cancer.  Obese men are at high risk than obese women.  Carrying extra fat in the abdomen increases your risk of colon cancer than carrying extra weight in the hips or thighs.  


• Talk to your doctor about your medical history and your family history of colon and other cancers.  Your doctor can give you advice specific to your situation.  


• Inhaling tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of cancer, and tobacco use can make polyps larger.