Cancer of the colon including rectal or colorectal cancer often develops gradually but generally begins as a non-cancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop polyps or colon cancer but your diet and lifestyle habits can increase this risk. Reduce your risk of this form of cancer with routine visits to your physician for screenings and by following a healthy diet plan.
Colon Polyps
The colon is located in the lower portion of your large intestine. It aids in the digestive process by absorbing water and salt from food, and it stores waste for later elimination through the rectum. Symptoms do not necessarily occur when you form one or more colon polyps but the presence of anal bleeding, prolonged constipation or diarrhea may indicate a polyp. A polyp can form at any time, but your risk increases based on hereditary factors, high-fat in your diet, use of alcohol, smoking and age. Given these risk factors, regular screening is important to prevent polyps from turning into cancer.
Limit Fat Intake
A diet high in saturated fat increases your risk of polyp and colon cancer formation. Fatty foods -- including processed, cured or canned meat -- and high intake of red meat should be limited to a few times a month if at all. Replace fatty meats with healthier unsaturated fats from salmon, nuts, beans and seeds three or more times per week. Avoid fried food and bake, grill or broil meats instead to reduce your unhealthy fat intake.
Increase Vegetables and Fruits
The foundation of a cancer prevention diet is set in 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Produce is high in vitamins and antioxidants, substances that protect your organs from damaging molecules. Fruits and vegetables may also prevent cancer-causing chemicals, or carcinogens, from absorbing in your body. Choose vividly colored vegetables like broccoli, leafy greens, sweet potatoes and carrots. Snack on fresh fruits including apples, pears, berries and cantaloupe to protect your digestive health.
Daily Fiber
Vegetables and fruits are good sources of fiber. Fiber helps to maintain good bacteria in your colon to fight polyp and cancer formation. Fiber is also important for helping your body eliminate waste. Consume 25 to 35 g of fiber daily by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Additional Preventive Measures
Alcohol use increases your risk of cancer. If you must drink, limit your consumption to two drinks or less per day. Eat fresh foods as much as possible instead of packaged or processed foods, which may have additives and minimal nutritive value. Choose fresh produce over canned or frozen varieties. Limit fast food consumption, which can increase your saturated fat, sodium and sugar intake. Exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight and immune system so your body can fight bacteria and infection that can disrupt your digestive system. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that daily consumption of calcium may also lower your risk of polyp formation. Low-fat dairy and green vegetables contain calcium.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: High Fiber Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Colon Polyps
- Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation; Eating Well/Diet; Dr. Joel Fuhrman
- American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer
- Stanford Medicine: Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk
