Experts Suggest Simple Guidelines to Prevent Colon Cancer

Regular screening and healthy lifestyle helps reduce risk of colorectal cancer among adults, according to experts from Mount Sinai Health system who have come up with some simple guidelines to avert the disease.

Colorectal cancer or cancer in the rectum or colon is the second leading cause of deaths among men and women in the U.S. Nearly 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer every year and more than 50,000 succumb to the disease , according to the American Cancer Scoiety.

Researchers from the Mount Sinai health system  say that the colorectal cancer incidences and mortality rates are 20 and 18 percent higher among African Americans compared to whites. The researchers used data from screening and health behaviors and identified eight simple methods to lower the chances of colorectal cancers.

 Regular screening or colonoscopy tops the guidelines list and experts believe this  is the only way to detect precancerous tumors or polyps that can be removed during the onset of the disease. The colon cancers occur discreetly in the body and even its symptoms like excessive weight loss, stomach pains and blood in stools does not help in detection. The ideal age for screening is 50 years and 40 for those with a family history of colon cancer.        

Alex Ky, Professor of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital, said in a news release, "Despite all preventative measures, we still see patients with colorectal cancer. The best and most preventative measure is to get screened."

Their studies have found strong evidence that cutting down smoking and consumption of tobacco not only reduces risk of developing serious lung disease but also colon cancer. Smokers are advised to seek physicians' help or join a cessation group to permanently get rid of tobacco addiction. The guidelines disapprove daily intake of more than two alcoholic beverages for men and one for women.

Healthy lifestyle habits like weight management  and maintaining  body mass index(BMI) range between 18-25 along with increased consumption of dietary fiber, vegetables, berries and whole grains helps remove cancer causing toxic wastes from the body. Daily consumption of calcium and vitamin D found in dietary products like yogurt, cheese and milk cut down the cancer risk. Over indulging in foods and cuisines made from red and processed meat that contain high nitrates can be equally harmful and the guidelines suggest oily fish like salmon and kale as an alternative.

The experts urge people to do a minimum of 150 to 300 minutes of physical activity or exercises weekly and get 15 minutes of sunlight exposure daily.