Colonoscopy is a part of general recommendations for everyone who crosses 50 especially if they are at risk of colon cancer. But why is colonoscopy necessary? What would happen if a person doesn’t get one? The American Cancer Society has updated the guidelines for screening colon related tests urging people to get a regular colonoscopy at the age of 45 years.
All this is to prevent the chances of getting colon cancer which is exceptionally high among older people. It remains unnoticed and unidentified especially if the person never gets a colonoscopy ever. That’s why the doctors recommend an annual colonoscopy just to ensure that there is no risk waiting for the person in the coming years.
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Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the US and every year it takes thousands of lives. The American Cancer Society estimates that there are 104,610 new cases of colon cancer and 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer in 2020 alone. That’s why general recommendations to prevent its causes and regular screening tests are highly emphasized.
Here are a few tips, following which the risk of colon cancer can be reduced.
Eat a vegetable-based diet
Veggies are generally not liked by the majority of people but for their nutritional value and low-calorie benefits, health experts recommend eating them on a daily basis. There is research evidence that shows that a veggie-based diet cleanses the colon thus reduce the risk for colon cancer.
In addition to vegetables, research focus on replacing unhealthy fat with healthy fat especially naturally occurring fat in coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
Move around
The benefits of exercise for a healthy functioning body need no proof. Not only it helps to maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases even cancer. Even a mild to moderate physical activity like a walk can lower the risk over the years.
Lose weight
Obesity is a big risk factor for a number of diseases including cancer. Not only it increases the chances of colon cancer may also promote breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer in the kidney, and others.
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Alcohol and cigarettes
Alcohol and cigarettes also play a key role in affecting a person’s health. There is no harm if a person is consuming alcohol and smoking occasionally. But if any of these two or both are done together, excessively and for a very long period, it damages the health. Not only immunity is compromised but the functions of vital organs are also compromised. in this case, chronic diseases like cancer can erupt in any part of the body and mainly in the colon as it is more prevalent than other types of cancers.
Regular screening tests
The problem with most cancer patients is that they never receive a timely diagnosis. A majority of them are diagnosed when it is already too late to start treatment and cancer already takes over their body functions. The biggest help in preventing cancer is to follow all the colon cancer screening guidelines as per a person’s age, family history, or underlying medical conditions.
Colonoscopy is probably the best screening tool for identifying colon cancer. It can not only notice any changes in the pancreas such as polyps but also help in their removal before they turn up into cancer.