Simple Ways to Lower Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer
Exercise Regularly
As we get older, regular exercise becomes more and more important. Whether you like to pump iron at the gym or go for relaxing walks in your neighborhood, you should try to get your heart rate up and going each day. Physical exercise not only helps keep your metabolism in line, but it can also help your body replenish cells and tissue. Aim to get at least two and half hours of moderate physical activity in a week — that’s just over 20 minutes each day!
Don’t Smoke
Smoking doesn’t just cause lung cancer — it's linked to 13 other types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. The chemicals and carcinogens in cigarette smoke enter the bloodstream and can affect the entire body. Studies have shown that smoking can damage our DNA and lead to cancer. If you smoke and want to quit, you’re more likely to successfully quit if you seek professional support compared to trying to do it all on your own. Fortunately, there is a wide range of products, services, and solutions that can help keep you on track.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
While it’s perfectly okay to have an alcoholic drink from time to time, be mindful about how much alcohol you consume. Heavy alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. There are simple ways you can limit your alcohol consumption. Incorporating drink-free days is a good way to cut down on the total amount of alcohol you drink during each week. Additionally, choosing smaller servings and drinks with lower ABVs can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and other issues related to heavy alcohol consumption.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Follow the suggestions above, and this shouldn’t be all that difficult. Maintaining a healthy weight not only helps lower your risk of colon or rectal cancer, but it could reduce the risk of other types of cancer too. By eating healthier, increasing your physical activity, and eliminating bad lifestyle habits, you can have better control over your weight. It’s important to form these long-term healthy habits, as most ‘quick fix’ or crash diets aren’t a long-term solution and most people gain back the weight they lost.
You may have noticed that each of these are fairly common-sense practices for a healthier life. It’s true, following these simple guidelines can not only help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer but other diseases and health risks as well.
To ensure that you face a lower risk of colorectal cancer, start following these guidelines now and make sure you get screened regularly. Talk with your doctor to learn more about your risk of colorectal cancer and the screening options available to you. For further information about colorectal cancer or to schedule a screening, contact Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates today.