UK (Parliament Politic Magazine) – A leading colon cancer specialist has unveiled four essential measures that young individuals should adopt to prevent the onset of colon cancer. The number of cases continues to rise dramatically. Experts predict that the occurrence of colon cancer among individuals under the age of 40 will double by 2030. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 153,000 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. Alarmingly, nearly 19,500 of these cases will affect individuals under the age of 50.
A Closer Look at the Soaring Rates of Colon Cancer in the UK: How It Can Be Prevented
According to an article in the Mirror, Mirror Online recently interviewed Dr. Katrina Pedersen, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. During the interview, Dr. Pedersen shared valuable insights on how to effectively prevent colon cancer. Shockingly, the rate of colon cancer among people under 40 is expected to double by 2030.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Dr. Pedersen emphasizes the significance of a good night’s sleep, a topic often overlooked. Adequate sleep is crucial for adults, typically ranging from seven to eight hours per night. Not only does it ensure the proper functioning of your immune system, but it also plays a vital role in enhancing the cancer-fighting capabilities of your immune system.
Diet
While the rates of colorectal cancer are increasing, the prevalence of cases linked to genetic factors remains stable. Consequently, experts are diligently exploring alternative causes. There is indisputable evidence indicating that ultra-processed foods, which, truthfully, encompass the majority of packaged foods available today, play a significant role in the development of bowel cancers.
If we compare the diets of people in the 1950s and 1960s to those of today, there are noticeable differences. To promote a healthier lifestyle, it is advisable to follow certain guidelines. One such recommendation is to steer clear of processed foods, while also reducing the consumption of red meats.
Instead, it is beneficial to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods into our daily meals. Research has demonstrated that adhering to these dietary practices can significantly decrease the risk of developing colon cancer.
Physical Activity
Physical activity plays a crucial role in combating the detrimental effects of poor diet and obesity. They have been closely linked to increased rates of colon cancer. Dr. Pedersen emphasizes that even if individuals shed excess weight, the risk of developing this disease remains elevated, particularly for those who were obese during their youth. Therefore, lifestyle choices are a significant contributing factor.
To address this issue, Dr. Pedersen offers some effective advice. Everyone needs to engage in regular physical activity. For the sake of simplicity, she suggests incorporating it into your daily routine.
However, it is important to understand that the intensity of the exercise should be sufficient to elevate your heart rate for approximately 30 minutes, surpassing its normal rhythm. By adhering to this recommendation, individuals can actively counteract the negative consequences of an unhealthy diet and obesity, reducing their susceptibility to colon cancer.
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Check Your Poop
Monitoring your bowel movements may not be the most glamorous topic, but it can serve as a crucial indicator of colon cancer. Dr. Pedersen advises taking a moment to inspect your stool after each visit to the bathroom. Pay close attention to its appearance and be on the lookout for any abnormalities.
One significant sign to watch out for is a narrowing of the stool, which can sometimes become as thin as a pencil. This occurrence may indicate the presence of a tumor obstructing the passage, making it difficult for the stool to pass through.
The significance of this practice was further emphasized by Dr. Tiago Biachi, an esteemed Associate Member of the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, who also stressed the importance of examining your stool for potential signs of colon cancer.
If you have been consistently going to the bathroom once a day throughout your life, but suddenly experience a decrease to once or twice a week, it may not necessarily indicate cancer, but it does suggest an underlying issue.
Therefore, if your diet and habits have remained unchanged, it is crucial to have this situation assessed. While we primarily focus on the colon, it is important to note that weight loss can be attributed to various factors.