How to Keep Colorectal Cancer at Bay
More often than not, one’s thoughts automatically turn to undergoing a colonoscopy when talking about preventing colorectal cancer. Undergoing the procedure starting at the age of 50, however, is not the only thing that could be done in order to prevent the onset of colorectal cancer.
Steer clear of cigarettes. Smoking is associated with a number of health issues, and one of them is colorectal cancer. A study conducted in 2008 indicated that smokers are 18 percent more likely to develop colorectal cancer, as opposed to those who do not smoke. They are also 25 percent more likely to succumb to the disease.
Keep red meat consumption at a minimum. Diets rich in red meat, especially processed, salted, smoked, or cured meats such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, have been associated with a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The Health.com feature suggests limiting red meat consumption to two 4-ounce portions of lean meat (trim off the excess fat!) a week, and discourages charring the meat on a grill.
Avoid binge drinking. Binge drinking, like smoking, is something that no one should do, and one reason to add to a long list of reasons to refrain from binge drinking is the fact that it has been associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer. An analysis conducted this year revealed that people who have two or three alcoholic drinks a day have a 21 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer, when compared against those who do not drink, or who only drink occasionally.
