According to statistics, more than one hundred thousand people living in the United States are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. Therefore, a significant percentage of people are living with this condition. Proper knowledge of the risk factors can help take preventive measures and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Book an appointment online with Dr. Bharat Pothuri for early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer and related conditions. Below are the factors that increase the chances of illness and prevention tips:
Obesity
The risk of developing colon cancer is high if you are obese or overweight. However, the risk is higher in men than in women. To stay safe, doctors recommend that you maintain a healthy weight to prevent colon cancer and other lifestyle diseases like heart problems.
Diet
The type of diet you take can influence the chances of developing colon cancer. Foods that increase the risks include processed meats and red meats. These chances increase when you cook meat at high temperatures. Additionally, a lack of vitamin D has a similar impact. To reduce the risks, you should take more vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
Smoking
Smoking causes various types of cancer, including lung and colon cancer. It also increases the chances of dying from the illness. Since it is a lifestyle behavior, quitting will help decrease the chances.
Alcohol consumption
Colon cancer can also be caused by heavy alcohol consumption, especially if you’ve been drinking for a long time. It does not necessarily have to be heavy; studies show that moderate alcohol increases the chances. Experts recommend one bottle for women and two for men.
Age
There is no specific age at which cancer occurs but the chances of getting colon cancer increases after 45 years. This has been proven correct by studies that show more patients with colorectal cancer are 45 years or older, with the median age being 68 years.
Genetics
Genetics is a risk factor that is out of your control. Inherited genes and environmental factors influence colon cancer. Therefore, if a family member has had colon cancer, then there are high chances that you will also develop a similar problem.
Racial and ethnicity
According to studies done in the United States, colon cancer shows a higher occurrence in African Americans than other races. Additionally, Ashkenazi Jews are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Doctors recommend people at a higher chance to get a colonoscopy before the age of fifty for early diagnosis and treatment.
Sedentary lifestyle
Pre-existing medical conditions
A past personal history of inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. If left untreated, inflammatory bowel disease results in dysplasia where the colon lining cells look abnormal and turn cancerous after some time.
Depending on the stage of colon cancer during diagnosis, specialists at GastroDoxs PLLC determine the best treatment path to meet the desired goals. The doctor can use minimally invasive surgery for cancer at the earliest stages. Later stages require more complex procedures. Book an online appointment today for treatment or further questions.