Colon cancer can develop in any person, and it can appear for seemingly no reason at all. Further, colon cancer does not discriminate – it can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are many steps people can take to lower their chances of developing the disease.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) provides comprehensive, compassionate, and community-based colon cancer treatment and other oncology services at 22 locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area. Here, RCCA discusses the causes of colon cancer and how patients can take preventative steps.
The colon, which also is known as the large intestine, is a tube-shaped organ that is part of the digestive tract. After food has been digested during its passage through the stomach and small intestine, the colon removes any remaining water and electrolytes. The colon contains healthy bacteria, which assist with breaking down food and altering it to become waste. The lower portion of the colon, known as the rectum, is solid waste’s final stop before leaving the body via the anus during a bowel movement.
The colon can be separated into several parts:
Cancer can develop within any portion of the colon, although it is more common in some areas of the organ than others. The disease begins when cells mutate, become cancerous, and multiple quickly.
Colon cancer often arises from polyps. Polyps are growths that form along the colon’s inner lining. While they typically are benign, some polyps can become cancerous over time.
There are several different types of colon polyps, including:
The cancer risk associated with polyps is determined not only by the type of growth but also by the size and number of polyps.
There are many ways a person can reduce his or her risk of developing colon cancer. These include:
Implementing a healthy diet can potentially decrease the chances of developing colon cancer. Oncologists recommend replacing unhealthy foods with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Beyond potentially decreasing the risk of colon cancer, this change in eating habits can cut the chances of developing diseases such as diabetes and coronary artery disease. In addition, patients who implement good dietary practices can have more energy throughout the day. Patients should also consider consuming foods low in animal fats while reducing or avoiding red meat and, in particular, meat that has been cured or processed in other ways.
Smoking tobacco and other products can increase the risk of developing cancers, including colon cancer, so smoking cessation is a key step to better health.
People also can also implement a healthier lifestyle by decreasing their alcohol consumption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a safe alcohol consumption limit is one alcoholic beverage per day for women and two per day for men. Anything above this limit is considered unhealthy.
A sedentary lifestyle and carrying excess weight both pose threats to health, including increased risk for developing colon cancer and other diseases. Exercise routines do not need to be rigorous. Many people can reap the benefits of exercise even through light activities, such as walking or gardening.
Having regular colon cancer screenings is a critical step in reducing risk for the disease. During a colonoscopy, a physician can identify and remove problematic polyps before they become cancerous. The procedure – and other screening methods – also enable detection of any cancer that may be present. For people at average risk for colon cancer, physicians generally recommend starting regular colon cancer screenings at about age 45. However, people should begin screenings earlier if they have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors for the disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Irritable bowel disease is a different condition than inflammatory bowel disease, and generally does not warrant early initiation of screening. Talk with your physician for more information.
Patients seeking treatment for colon cancer, other solid tumors, and both cancerous and non-cancerous blood disorders can rely on the experienced, compassionate specialists of Regional Cancer Care Associates. RCCA’s medical oncologists and hematologists provide the latest therapies and evidence-based care at 22 community-based locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area, allowing patients to find convenient, accessible healthcare. To learn more about colon cancer treatment, contact Regional Cancer Care Associates or request an appointment today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
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