Best Colon Cancer Prevention

Research studies are now going on how best to prevent colon cancer as more and more people are diagnosed with this condition today. It is found that colon cancer usually starts in the large intestine, also known as colon, or the rectum. Colon cancer then develops from dead cells that have been accumulated in a lump over a period of time. The risk to getting colon cancer increases if you have a genetic medical background of parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with colon cancer. Research also showed that that colon cancer is aggravated by unhealthy diets such as ready meals and fast food.

Hence, it is vital that you seek the advice of your doctor should you feel the discomfort of colon cancer symptoms. The symptoms to look out for include unhealthy bowel occurrence such as diarrhea, constipation or bowel infection, severe pain in abdomen, blood in the stools, narrow stools, anemia, intestinal obstruction and drastic loss of weight.

Prevention is still better than cure. So you really should consider the following 5 ways on how best to prevent colon cancer:

1. Adopt healthy habits. Colon cancer usually develops over a length of period before it actually shows. Hence you should not wait till you notice the symptoms of colon cancer before starting to adopt healthy habits. Eat healthy meals, exercise and have an adequate amount of sleep.

If your diet contains too much high fat and red meats with little fiber, you are definitely at a high risk of developing colon cancer. Fat accumulates on the walls of the intestine and rectum, forming lumps of dead cells. You should therefore adopt a balanced natural diet which includes lots of green vegetables, fruits and water.

Exercise helps by flushing out harmful toxins and waste matter which if left accumulated in your body can cause cancerous growth.

2. Know your family medical history. It appears that colon cancer is a genetic disease that is hereditary. As such, if you belong to the high risk category due to your family history, then you should take extra precautions by leading a healthy lifestyle.

3. Stop smoking. Chain smoking increases your chance to developing colon cancer. Inhaling tobacco can easily transfer carcinogen (a cancer agent) to your colon and rectum, thus resulting in colon cancer. Hence, do not hesitate to find ways to quit smoking.

4. Reduce exposure to radiation. Excessive exposure to radiation has been found to cause colon cancer. Radiation rays are harmful and can render healthy normal cells abnormal. By all means, avoid unnecessary X-rays, CT scans, mammograms so that you can best prevent colon cancer.

5. If you observe that you are experiencing symptoms like skin allergies, weak immune system, poor movement of bowels, bloating, etc, then it may be that you have too much toxins in your body. Consider colon cleansing as a way of detoxification. There are a couple of ways to perform colon cleansing. These include consuming herbs for colon cleansing and colon hydrotherapy.

Cancer prevention can be made with the consumption of healthier foods and eliminating unhealthy ones from our diet. Our modern day lifestyle has meant that we tend to go for convenience and processed foods. However, these foods are generally harmful and toxic to our body.

1. Processed Meats.

Sodium nitrites are found in processed meat such as bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats.

2. Sodium Nitrite.

This chemical is added to foods as a preservative. It accounts for the pink color of meat and is used in pickled and smoked foods, as well as beer and cheese. The problem with sodium nitrite is that it is converted into a carcinogen called nitrosamine in the digestive process.

3. Refined sugar.

Cancer feeds off of sugar in the blood stream. Given this information, it makes sense to keep your blood sugar levels at a reasonable point, rather than eating sugary foods that elevate them. Not only will this cut a source from cancer cells, but it will allow your overall health and immune system to function more effectively.

4. Refined or simple carbohydrates.

Foods made from refined carbohydrates, like white flour, turn to sugar in your system. For the same reason that we cut refined sugar from our diets, we should reduce our intake of simple carbohydrates.

5. Hydrogenated oils, Trans Fats, and Acrylamides.

Hydrogenated oils, with trans fats, are used because of their prolonged shelf life. Hydrogenated oils are made by heating oils with other elements and in a way that replaces healthy fatty acids with trans fats. Not only are these types of fat dangerous for the function of your heart, but they produce the perfect environment for the development of cancer. Acrylamides are fats that are created during the process of frying food. They have been shown to cause cancer in rats.

6. Fried potatoes.

French fries are usually fried in hydrogenated oil and contain simple carbohydrates that rapidly change to sugar in your blood stream.

7. Fried sweets (doughnuts, elephant ears).

The combination of hydrogenated oils, refined flour and sugar, and the frying process which produces acrylamides causes fried, sweet food to be potential cancer causing disasters.

8. Chips.

Most types of chips are fried and contain trans fats, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.

9. Crackers.

Look for or make your own whole grain, baked crackers without harmful preservatives as opposed to those with trans fats, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.

10. Soda.

If you do not want to add sugar and chemicals into your blood stream, look no further than a bottle of soda. Switch to filtered water instead.

By eliminating the above 10 foods, you would have helped yourself in cancer prevention. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or breast cancer, then reduce your high risk by not increasing your toxic load.

There are many digestive disorders that can show as sign of colon cancer. But just because it may be signs from other digestive disorders, does not mean you don’t need to be checked. Some of these diseases are Crohns, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Some of the signs of colon cancer that you want to watch out for are bloody stools, constipation, diarrhea, thin stools, weight loss, cramping or pain in the abdomen, bloating, and anemia.

You may not even notice signs of colon cancer for years after it have begun to develop. You can begin to check for colon cancer very early by simple screenings for fecal blood. This is very important as is a colonoscopy. Colon cancer signs can differ depending on where the tumor is growing. A tumor growing in the right side of the colon can become quite large and will cause a lot of bleeding therefore causing anemia. You may also be experiencing with pain and bloating, constipation and thin stools. These signs are usually caused by a large obstruction in the intestines.(More Signs Of Colon Cancer Articles)

If you have any signs of colon cancer, be seen by a doctor ASAP. These are not signs that can be ignored; you need to be screened for your health sake and your peace of mind. If you do have cancer, then you are more than likely catching it in the beginning phases and have a good chance of fighting it.

Now constipation can be caused by lack of fluids, and the red can come by eating things like red licorice or watermelon. If you are taking iron supplements, they can make the stool look black, appearing to be old blood.

Some of the signs of colon cancer you need to watch for are:

1. Change in bowels

2. Bright red or dried blood in the stool

3. Weight loss suddenly

4. Stomach pain and/or cramping, bloating

5. Fatigue for no reason

6. Feeling the need to defecate

7. Nausea with vomiting

8. Anemia

9. Pain or tenderness in the abdomen

If you notice any signs of colon cancer, please see your doctor right away, to not take any unnecessary chances.

If you are worried about getting colon cancer, rest assured that there are things that you can do to lower your risk. In fact, colon cancer prevention measures are very simple, but they may require a lot of will power on your part. Keep reading to learn about the things that you can do to lower your risk.

Colon Cancer Prevention Tips

1. Reduce your amount of alcohol consumption. If you are the type of person that likes to drink and you drink a lot, then you need to realize that excessive alcohol consumption has been proven to increase colon cancer risks significantly. However, a glass of red wine with dinner is okay because red wine contains certain antioxidants that have been proven to be effective cancer fighters.
2. Lose weight. People who are obese are at a high risk for cancer. Many studies have been conducted on the effect of obesity and colon cancer. They have all concluded that people who are obese are at a much higher risk than those of a normal weight.
3. Stop Smoking. Smoking can transport dangerous carcinogens to your colon. Smoking has also been proven to increase the size of polyps found in the colon.
4. Get plenty of exercise. People who have a regular exercise regimen have been known to decrease their risk of colon cancer by as much as 40%.
5. Know your family history. This is very important because there is a strong hereditary link in colon cancer. If any members of your family have colon cancer then your risk increases significantly. Make sure that you doctor is aware of any family history of cancer.
6. Regular colon cancer screenings. This tip is very important if you are age 50 or older. The older you get, the higher your risk for cancer. Doctors recommend that anyone over the age of 50 have yearly screenings. An early diagnosis is the easiest to cure.
7. Change your diet. A high fat, low fiber diet, is the perfect diet to feed colon cancer. Get away from red meats, eat more fruits and vegetables and stay away from saturated fats.
8. Learn the symptoms. Know the symptoms of colon cancer. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. The earlier colon cancer is detected and treatment started the better your chances of survival.
9. Take an aspirin daily. Studies have shown that taking a regular aspirin once a day can decrease the size of any colon polyps, therefore reducing your risk of colon cancer.
10. Take a good multivitamin. This will increase your overall health and give your body the vitamins and minerals that it needs that you cannot get in foods.

So there you have ten very important colon cancer prevention tips. Follow these tips and make lifestyle changes today so you can reduce your levels of risk.

Number one risk factor for colon cancer is age. Importantly, colon cancer is also one of the most curable forms of cancer. It has been well demonstrated that if colon cancer is caught in the earliest stages, the cure rate could be increased to 90%. Although colon cancer is among the most common forms of cancer, the number of new cases and the number of deaths attributed to the disease have declined in recent years due to improved screening and diagnostic techniques.

Diet and exercise play a huge role in prevention of colon cancer and other health related problems. Colon cancer prevention can help make colon cancer the number one preventable cancer. In the area of prevention, researchers are looking at the effects of curcumin (found in curry), resveratrol (found in red wine), ginger and the Mediterranean diet on the growth and development of colon cancer. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Cancer prevention is a lifelong plan including smart choices in our day to day lives. The Colon Cancer Prevention Program is open to all men and women over age 18 and is based in a newly renovated space conveniently located off the main Health Center lobby.

Diet may shield against two leading cancer killers. Diet is a factor, with red meat and animal fat topping the list of offenders. Studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber can contribute to colon cancer. Dietary supplementation with 1500 mg of Calcium or more a day is associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer. A high fiber (vegetables) and low fat diet, regular exercise, maintenance of normal body weight and cessation of smoking are also beneficial. Though it is best to get one’s vitamins from healthy diet, a recent study did show that women taking the RDA of Folic Acid and Vitamin B6 had a 70% less likely chance of colon cancer. Balanced and proper diet along with herbal cleansers will cleanse the colon over long periods of time but those with serious conditions need to take quick action.

A clean colon, that has a healthy balance of intestinal flora, is the body’s first line of defense. Do whatever you can to lead a healthy lifestyle - including eating healthy foods, staying physically active, getting regular checkups and paying attention to your environment. Maintaining a healthy colon is one of the single most important steps you can take to detoxify your body of accumulated toxins and waste. This collaborative effort can help to generate widespread awareness of how to prevent the disease through a healthy lifestyle and regular screening. The benefits of conducting a colon cleansing have been lauded as long as I can remember (long time) as a means of eliminating accumulations of lingering waste from the digestive tract and leaving the body more healthy. In addition to flax seed, the psyllium in MetaCleanse encourages healthy elimination without chemical stimulants or laxatives and provides a daily source of dietary fiber to help maintain regularity.

Exercise has a strong protective effect against colon cancer, as does hormone replacement treatment in women. Exercise daily, keeping in mind that it is important to not overextend yourself while cleansing. Exercise stimulates movement through the bowel and reduces the time the colon is exposed to harmful substances(carcinogens) that may cause cancer. Studies have also found that exercise may increase colon cancer survival rates. I eat right, exercise 5 days a week, drink the minimum 8 glasses of water a day, and the first ingredient I read on a label is not the calories, but how much fiber it contains.

Natural colon cleanse is the most popular colon unclogging method today. Alternatively, several colon cleansers are packaged and supplied as part of a cleansing system that contains the colon cleansing components as a capsule or liquid that is taken with a glass of water plus nutritional shakes or snacks that have been formulated to complement the activity of the primary cleanser.

Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye. There may be single or multiple polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.

Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient’s staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips

1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.

2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.

3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.

4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.

5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.

6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.

7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

It isn’t necessary for a person who is suffering from colon cancer to experience the symptoms in the initial stages of the disease. In fact, even when the colon cancer symptoms appear, they generally vary according to the size of the cancer and its location in the large intestine.

Hence, it would be a good idea to get the regular screenings done than to depend upon the few warning symptoms that may alert you for colon cancer. Nonetheless, it isn’t even harmful to know these symptoms that indicate the presence of colon cancer, though at a later stage.

Constipation may be a symptom of colon cancer. The tumor in rectum or at the bottom of colon can become an obstacle for waste to get through the colon that causes constipation.

Another symptom for this cancer is thin stool. Once the stool has undergone its slushy stage, it starts to take shape. So, the shape of the stool when it is excreted from the body can provide clues about its movement inside the body. For instance, thin stool suggests that the waste has been squeezed on its way by some obstacle. In case of colon or colorectal cancer, this obstacle is tumor at the bottom of colon.

Furthermore, at times even a tumor can lead to bowel obstruction. This is basically a blockage in your colon that restricts the passage of solid, liquid and sometimes even gases. This may cause severe and painful abdominal cramps especially when the flow of blood to colon is restricted.

You may also find some blood in your stool. Unexplained or effortless loss of weight may also be noticed as another symptom that suggests the presence of colon cancer. Vomiting, nausea, lethargy, bloating and gas and a feeling of fullness are a few other symptoms that can be added to the list. However, these symptoms may not necessarily indicate colon cancer and can be due to other medical conditions as well.

Though you may stay alert for these colon cancer symptoms, but it is necessary to keep in mind that at times these symptoms may not appear in patients at all. So, anyone over the age of 50 years is recommended to get regular colonoscopy screenings done. Also, people who have a high risk for this condition may even get themselves checked in the early stages of their life.