5 Tips For Reducing Your Risk Of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon and can affect people of all ages. Common symptoms of this cancer include rectal bleeding, drastic change in bowel habits, fatigue, and constant stomach pain. It is definitely scary to think about getting diagnosed with this condition, but you can take steps to lower your risk.

Give Up Cigarettes

Most people associate smoking with lung cancer. However, it can increase your risk of other types of cancer, too, including colorectal cancer. If you make the effort to quit the habit right now, you can dramatically decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice about quitting smoking.

Don't Consume Too Much Red Meat

Eating a steak or hamburger for dinner on occasion is a great treat. However, if you want to lower your risk of colorectal cancer, you should be careful about how much red meat you consume. If you eat red meat multiple times a week, you will be more likely to develop colorectal cancer in the future.

Limit Alcohol

Sipping on a cocktail after a long day at work can be an excellent way to relax. However, you want to be careful about how many alcoholic beverages you consume every week. If you drink alcohol too frequently, you have a higher chance of getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Schedule a Screening

Colorectal cancer might not show obvious symptoms in the beginning stages. That is why it is important to get screened for this cancer regularly. A colonoscopy can detect this cancer in the early stages, so it will be a lot easier to treat. Ask your doctor how frequently you should schedule these screenings.

Make Exercise Part of Your Life

If you are too sedentary, you may have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer later. If you commit to living a more active lifestyle, you may be able to reduce your risk. Try to work out most days of the week.

If you are new to exercise, you can start slow. Take short walks around your neighborhood in the beginning. You will soon become stronger and be able to exercise longer and with greater intensity.

If you follow these helpful tips, you may be less likely to develop colorectal cancer. If it has been a while since your last colorectal cancer screening, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.