Things You'll Need:
- Identification of risk factors
- Good physician follow up
- Knowledge
- Screening Colonoscopies
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Step 1
Age is a major risk factor. Colon cancers are rare before the age of 40 in people with average risk. The incidence begins to increase significantly between the ages of 40 and 50.
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Step 2
Personal or family history of colon cancers or colon polyps is a contributor to colon cancer.
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Step 3
The level of your physical activity is inversely proportional to your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
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Step 4
Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) is a significant risk factor to develop colon cancer.
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Step 5
Increasing evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus is associated with an elevated risk of colon cancer.
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Step 6
An association between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer has been observed in several studies.
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Step 7
Being obese confers a 1.5 times increased risk of developing colon cancer than being normal weight.
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Step 8
Cigarette smoking may be associated with a higher incidence of colorectal malignancy.
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Step 9
Diet: A fibrous diet (please read my article on how to promote healthy eating) is protective against colon cancer. They include fruits and vegetables.
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Step 10
Aspirin has been proven to have a protective effect on the development of colon cancer and so have medications like Aleve (Naproxen) and Ibuprofen.
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Step 11
Colonoscopy: Having one or more of the above risk factors will determine the age at which you should begin to be screened, the frequency of screening, and the screening tests that would be most appropriate for you. Please discuss your situation with your health care provider to know when you should receive your first screening colonoscopy.
