early-onset colorectal cancer New research in The Lancet shows that cases are on the rise for people aged 25 to 49 around the world, but the increase is steeper in the UK than in other countries. Lifestyle factors play an important role in increasing the risk of this cancer. Unbalanced diets low in fiber, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, obesity, and lack of exercise are the main factors promoting its growth. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK.
Bowel cancer begins in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum, and is called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on its location.
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How important are lifestyle changes in preventing colorectal cancer?
Symptoms of colon cancer Changes in stool, unusual diarrhea or constipation, increased number of trips to the toilet, bloody stool that looks red or black, bleeding from the buttocks, frequent urge to defecate, abdominal pain, a lump in the stomach, feeling bloated, without effort Losing weight, feeling extremely tired for no reason.
The high incidence of colorectal cancer in Western countries may be due to high consumption of red and processed meat and low fiber intake. In addition, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, lack of sleep, and other factors have been shown to further increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Important points:
Cancer of the colon or rectum located at the lower end of the digestive tract.
Early cases may begin as non-cancerous polyps. These often have no symptoms but can be detected through screening. For this reason, doctors recommend screening tests for people at high risk, people over age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of colon cancer.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer vary depending on the size and location of the cancer. Commonly experienced symptoms include changes in bowel habits, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stool, and abdominal discomfort.
Making healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing colon cancer. Here are some things you can make.
1. Eat more fiber
Eating a diet rich in fiber can greatly reduce your chances of colon cancer. This includes eating plenty of green and yellow vegetables, fibrous fruits, nuts and seeds, and other fiber-rich foods. Foods like whole grain cereals, whole wheat pasta, oats, beans, chickpeas, and lentils are all sources of fiber. Eating 30 grams of fiber daily can reduce your risk of colon cancer.
According to a study published in the journal Springer, dietary fiber contributes to shortening gastrointestinal transit time, diluting colonic contents, and promoting bacterial fermentation, leading to increased production of short-chain fatty acids.
2. Drink enough water
It is recommended to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water to prevent the risk of colon cancer. Water helps flush harmful toxins and waste from the colon, preventing them from accumulating in colon cells that can damage the organ. You can increase your fluid intake by drinking milk, unsweetened drinks, fruit juices, and smoothies.
3. Exercise regularly
One of the reasons for the increase in colon cancer may be the sedentary lifestyle people lead today. An active lifestyle and exercise habits can help reduce the chance of this cancer. Stay active with any workout, whether it’s walking, skipping, running or cycling.
4. Lose weight
Being obese or overweight can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. It is estimated that 11 in 100 (11%) cases of bowel cancer in the UK are linked to people who are not at a healthy weight. Efforts to lose weight can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
5. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
Six out of every 100 cases of bowel cancer in the UK are caused by drinking alcohol, but seven of these cases are caused by smoking. The UK’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) advises that it is safest to regularly consume no more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
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Healthy changes that improve quality of life
