How to reduce the risk of Colorectal Cancer?

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer refers to the growth of cancerous tumors in the colon/rectum, the final part of the digestive tract. In India, while the prevalence of colon cancer is low, we cannot disregard the ill effects of the disease.

According to the recent Globocan India 2018 data, medical professionals registered more than 27,000 CRC cases in the previous year. The mortality was around 20,000 during the same period. The actual number may be higher because colorectal cancer goes undetected due to lack of awareness and unavailability of regular medical screening.

One must remember that preventative measures can significantly reduce the chances of colorectal cancer. Even if we cannot prevent non-modifiable risk factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and family history, we can take care of lifestyle factors to eliminate the risk of the disease as much as possible.

1. Make Healthier Food Choices

Consuming healthy foods is one of the easiest ways of reducing the risk of colon cancer and other GI issues. A 2017 research found that our meals and dietary habits affect the risk of developing CRC (colorectal cancer). Eating high-fiber meals with fruits and vegetables decreases our risk while eating processed meat can negatively impact our chances.

So, instead of choosing cold cuts & lunch meats, and highly processed fast-food options, focus on healthy home-cooked meals with fresh produce. Include dairy, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and whole grains in your diet. It is not necessary to eliminate carbs or fats. Focus on eating a balanced diet with all essential macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.

2. Avoid Alcohol Consumption

You can improve your chances of leading a cancer-free life by avoiding alcohol. Heavy alcoholic consumption, especially during early adulthood, is one of the most substantial risks of colon cancer. According to the Lancet Oncology report, the global burden of cancer can be attributed majorly to alcohol consumption. The study linked alcoholic beverages to the cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract and the large intestine. Alcoholic consumption per capita has been on the rise in India for quite some time. It has increased the risk of colon cancer in the Indian sub-continent.

3. Quit using Tobacco

In November 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer provided information that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that tobacco smoking can cause colorectal cancer. According to WHO, 267 million Indians (29% of total Indian adults) are tobacco users. In addition to smoking forms such as bidi, cigarette, and hookah, it includes smokeless tobacco products: gutka, khaini, zarda, tobacco pan, etc.

Tobacco is one of the biggest public health threats in India. It is due to its heavy burden on medical infrastructure and its effect on the socio-economic environment. Quit tobacco consumption in all forms to avoid colon cancer and several other types of cancerous diseases.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

With the recent rise in fat acceptance and body positivity movements, people believe obesity is not a problem. But several reports point out that overweight individuals and people suffering from obesity are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. A higher BMI number and visceral fat around the abdomen lead to an increased risk of CRC.

According to a 2017 PubMed article, daily sedentary time affects the risk of colorectal cancer among adults. So, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight with regular physical activity, exercise, and balanced meals. Remember that we must work towards de-stigmatizing obesity, but concluding that it does not cause any health problems is a wrong notion.

5. Book an Appointment for CRC Screening

Often, colon cancer begins as non-cancerous polyps that do not show any symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel movements, or even pain. A polyp is a growth in the mucosal layer of the colon and rectum. Polyps are usually harmless but, a surgical gastroenterologist can remove them safely and avoid the risk of colon cancer.

For surgical removal of colon polyps, regular screening is necessary. If you are over 50 years of age and have a history of colon cancer in your family, you should get timely screening for polyps. If you are under 50 years but experience abdominal pain, bloody stools, or persistent change in bowel movements, visit a colon cancer specialist.

Along with stool tests such as the Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), a timely colonoscopy becomes necessary in patients older than 50 years of age. Other screening tests include CTC (Computed Tomographic Colonography) and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Focus on your Long-Term Health

Your health depends on habits. Instead of opting for short-term gratification, focus on your long-term health. Choose good habits for you and your family and ensure routine medical checkups with your GI surgeon to avoid the risks of colon cancer.

Stay Healthy. Stay Cancer-free!