Facing facts with Factors and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Either the colon or the rectum is affected by colorectal cancer. By 2030, there will be 2.2 million new cases of the particular type of cancer and 1.1 million fatalities. To lessen the likelihood of acquiring colorectal cancer, one can evaluate the risk factors and keep an eye on them. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no one way to prevent this disease, although an individual’s body weight, physical activity level, and eating habits can all have an impact on their health. However, screening is the only method for diagnosing the illness and should not be disregarded. Some vitamins and meals can assist improve one’s condition and reduce hazards.
Factors Causing Colorectal Cancer
First, behaviour and gender—the two variables that have an impact on this condition’s development—will be taken into account. Regarding the first factor, it has already been established that appropriate eating habits, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight can all help lower the risk.
Consuming particular goods, such as red or processed meat, can also raise the risk of having this cancer. Additionally, abstaining from drinking and smoking can aid with prevention. This element suggests that to ensure effective prevention, those with harmful behavioural habits should have colorectal cancer screenings more frequently than people who lead good lifestyles.
The second factor is significant for women because menopausal drugs like oestrogen or other hormones can help them reduce the risk (subject to this being medically consulted with a clinical professional.)
This method is not advertised as a specific treatment for this problem and may be harmful to those who already have malignancies. Females are more likely to acquire more aggressive tumours, such as proximal colon cancer, making treatment more challenging. Women should therefore focus extra attention on their health and have colorectal screenings.
The risk of acquiring colorectal cancer may be increased by the following elements:
Age: As people age, their chance of colorectal cancer rises. Although young adults and teenagers can develop colorectal cancer, those over the age of 50 account for the majority of cases.
The incidence rate of colorectal cancer has decreased by approximately 3.6% per year in persons 55 and older, according to the most recent figures, even though older adults are still most likely to develop the disease.
Race : In the United States, sporadic, or non-hereditary, colorectal cancer affects black people at the greatest rates. A significant contributor to cancer-related deaths among Black people is colorectal cancer. Compared to women of other races, Black women have a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer, and Black males have an even higher risk than Black women. It’s unclear why these disparities exist.
History of colorectal cancer in the family : If any close first-degree relatives have experienced colon cancer, then colorectal cancer may run in the family. When a family member is diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 60, this is particularly true. A person’s risk of having colorectal cancer is almost doubled if they have a family history of the disease.
Obesity and lack of physical activity : People who lead a sedentary lifestyle, which includes a lot of sitting and no regular exercise, as well as those who are overweight or obese, may be at higher risk for colorectal cancer.
Food/diet : More red meat and processed meat consumption are correlated with an increased risk of the disease, according to recent studies. The effects of other dietary determinants on the risk of colorectal cancer have also been investigated, however, the evidence is less clear regarding specific diets or foods increasing this risk.
Smoking : According to recent studies, smokers have a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer than nonsmokers do. Find out more information on stopping smoking.
Prevention
While there is currently no known way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are ways to reduce your risk.
A person’s risk of colorectal cancer may also be reduced by the following factors:
Aspirin and other non-steroidal pain relievers (NSAIDs) : Aspirin and other NSAIDs may prevent the growth of polyps in persons with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps, according to several studies. Regular aspirin or NSAID use, however, can have serious adverse effects, such as bleeding inside the stomach and blood clots that can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin and other NSAIDs should not be used as a replacement for routine colorectal cancer screening.
Controlling One’s Weight : According to the available data, colorectal cancer risk increases with body weight. One of the best strategies to boost your health and reduce your risk of cancer is to eat healthily. This can assist you in maintaining your current weight or, if necessary, losing weight.
Being Active Physically : Your risk of colorectal cancer can be lowered by being physically active. Every day, kids and teenagers should engage in at least an hour of moderate to strenuous activity. Try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting, lying down, watching television, and engaging in other screen-based activities.
Every day, kids and teenagers should engage in at least an hour of moderate to strenuous activity. Try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting, lying down, watching television, and engaging in other screen-based activities.
Regulating one’s dietary choices : Red meat consumption should be limited while eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to help lower the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, some studies have revealed a decreased incidence of colorectal cancer in those who take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Consult your doctor or a cancer specialist if required, references for this article: cancer.net.
Conclusion
Overall, colorectal cancer is a dangerous condition that will likely impact a large number of people in the US by 2030. Regular screenings are the main strategy for preventing it. Examining risk factors including weight and behavioural traits can also reduce the likelihood of acquiring this cancer. Finally, there is a link between gender and colorectal diseases.
