Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. It affects men and women, and while it is more common in older adults, it can affect younger people, too. There is nothing you can do to fully guarantee that you never develop colon cancer. However, there are a few habits and behaviors you can adopt in order to reduce your risk.

Eat less red meat.

Eating a lot of red meat is thought to increase your risk of colon cancer. So, try cutting back on your red meat intake and instead eat more chicken, pork, and plant-based protein sources. Some people find that doing "meatless Mondays" really helps. You experiment with a different meat-free dish one day of the week. 

Eat more fiber.

A high-fiber diet can decrease your risk of colon cancer. So, focus on eating more foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies. If you struggle to get enough fiber in your diet, you may want to consider taking psyllium husk supplements. Psyllium husks are a natural source of dietary fiber, and they're quite inexpensive.

Keep your weight in the healthy range.

Being overweight increases your risk of colon cancer, so maintaining your weight within a healthy range is a good way to reduce your risk. Obviously, this can take a lot of work. It might mean signing up for a gym membership and making the resolution to visit the gym three days a week for the entire year. It might mean you start cooking at home more rather than eating out. If you struggle to lose weight on your own, consider joining a weight loss program overseen by a dietitian or personal trainer.

Don't drink too much alcohol.

Heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of colon cancer. You don't have to say "no" to alcohol for the rest of your life if you don't want to do so, but you should at least limit your intake. Try to drink only on social occasions. Or, limit yourself to one drink every time you indulge. Other people have an easier time setting weekly limits. For example, you might buy one 6-pack of beer per week and only permit yourself to drink that much. 

Nobody is entirely safe from colon cancer. But if you follow the advice above, you stand a much better chance of avoiding this disease

For more information on colon cancer, contact a professional near you. 

Share