Are you aware that colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Unites States? About 1 in 25 people in the U.S. will develop colorectal cancer at some point in their lifetime, nonetheless there are ways to lower your risk of contracting this disease. Our Orlando colorectal health experts have compiled a list of tips you can bring into your lifestyle so that you can lower your risk. Check it out!
A Couple of Tips to Contribute to Your Colorectal Health
Tip #1: Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer
This is especially recommended if your family has a history of issues with their colorectal health. The screenings are tests that look for cancer signs and symptoms before any development. These screenings are able to make early detections of any issues (like polyps that can become cancerous), so that you can get it removed, thus lowering your risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society Recommends to get your first colonoscopy at age 45. If you’re at that age range and still haven’t received your first colonoscopy, contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with us! We’re all over the Orlando area.
Tip #2: Eat Nutritious Foods
Take charge of your diet! It doesn’t mean that you’re going to shun your birthday cake or slap yourself if you indulged yourself with decadent cheesecake from the Orlando Cheesecake Factory. Every once in a while, sweets are fine, but you need to start controlling what you put in your body. Make sure that you’re eating meals that are nutritious. Include as many vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as possible (these nutrients have been linked with decreased risk of colon cancer). You should also decrease your intake of red meats (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, luncheon meats).
Tip #3: Incorporate Exercise in Your Weekly Routine
Our Orlando GI experts can’t stress enough how important exercise is for your colorectal health, AND for a healthy life overall. Not being physically active can bring a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer, as well as obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, etc. Get yourself a gym membership or find yourself a personal trainer! You can even look up workouts on YouTube… The point is to be more active and STAY active.
Tip #4: Don’t Smoke
Long-term smokers are more likely to develop and pass on from colon or rectal cancer than non-smokers. If you’re a smoker, make it your mission to quit. You’ll lower the risks of a plethora of health conditions.
Tip #5: Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol has been linked to having a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer. The best thing to do is to completely stop drinking alcohol like if it were prohibition. However, we know there are a lot of occasions to be celebrated. Our Orlando GI experts recommend no more than two drinks a day for men, and no more than one drink a day for women.
Let the Digestive and Liver Center Help You Out!
Now that you got a couple of suggestions from us on bettering your colorectal health to lower the risk of colorectal cancer, we hope you take our advice and use it as a guide for your lifestyle. If you have any questions or concerns, or want to schedule that first step in lowering your risk, don’t hesitate to call the Digestive and Liver Center today! You can reach us at (407)384-7388.