What is colon cancer and how can we avoid it?

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. with a whopping 140,000 people diagnosed each year with this deadly disease. At the onset of the disease, there are small polyps that develop on the walls of the large intestine. These cancerous polyps have the power to spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms may not occur until a later stage; however, in cases where the symptoms are early gastrointestinal issues are commonly noticed. Blood in the stool, weight loss, fatigue, and change in the bowel movements are some of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. But the best part is that with a few lifestyle changes and careful steps colon cancer can be avoided.

Get a thorough checkup done

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that point to the possibility of colon cancer, it's better to get yourself checked up on a regular basis.

Eat Healthily

Ensure to choose healthy food over junk and spicy food. Avoid eating red meat, or anything that can cause a gastrointestinal disturbance.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Moderate your alcohol intake to heart-healthy levels that are, up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Avoid smoking

If you smoke, stop today to stay away from 14 different types of cancer along with heart diseases, stroke, or emphysema.

Avoid Being Overweight

Indulge in some kind of physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day to maintain your weight to a healthy level and stay away from obesity.

Get Ample Vitamins and Calcium

Getting enough Calcium, and Vitamin D is one of the safest routes to prevent colon cancer. You can also consider having a multivitamin with folate daily (as prescribed by the physician) to reduce the colon cancer risks.