Did you know that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States? Around 150,000 people are diagnosed each year. Most of these cancer patients are found in younger adults below the age of 50. However, colon cancer can be prevented. Here are some tips for lowering the risk of colon cancer in your 50s.
Get Screened
Getting frequent colon cancer screenings is the single most effective approach to avoiding the disease. It can detect cancer early on when it’s most treatable, and aid in preventing the disease by detecting polyps, that can develop into cancer. There are a lot of efficient colon cancer screening tests available. Some are simple to carry out, but they must be done more frequently. Others are more intricate yet require less attention.
Your choice of the test is determined by your preferences and medical history. A doctor can assist you in making your decision. The majority of people only start getting tested at the age of 45. People with a family history of colon cancer or other significant risk factors can begin testing at an early age.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Aside from smoking, being overweight can increase the risk of cancer. Weight increase and obesity have been linked to at least 13 different diseases, including colon cancer. If you’ve gained weight, you should try to maintain that weight and avoid gaining additional weight. If it’s possible, it’s best for your health if you attempt to gradually drop some weight.
Quit Smoking
It goes without saying that quitting smoking is the single most important thing you could do for your health. Colon cancer is one of the 15 cancers caused by smoking. It also raises the chance of other major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and emphysema. If you smoke, quitting offers actual benefits that begin as soon as your last cigarette. If you’re having a hard time quitting, you can speak to an expert for help. Speaking with a doctor can also help you increase your chances of success.
Stay Physically Active
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a variety of serious illnesses, including colon cancer, and gives you a mental boost. Any amount of physical activity is preferable to none. However, it’s ideal to get in at least 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity daily. Some activities you could do are brisk walking, gardening or even dancing.
Get Enough Calcium and Vitamin D
Consuming sufficient calcium and vitamin D has been shown to help prevent colon cancer. Calcium intake should be between 1000 and 1200 milligrams per day, and vitamin D intake should be about 1000 IU per day.
Some sources of calcium would be low-fat dairy, enriched plant-based milk, and greens. Good sources of Vitamin D include eggs and fatty fish such as tuna. A multivitamin can assist in filling the gaps, but it should never replace actual food or a balanced diet.
Live Healthily at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach
As a resident at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach, you will get to experience exceptional senior living with our variety of resort-style amenities and comfortable apartment homes. We offer various senior living options ranging from Assisted Living to Memory Care programs and you can also enjoy exclusive senior living programs. To find out more, feel free to contact us today!
