You can greatly reduce your risk of getting colon cancer by making healthy choices.

 

SMOKING CESSATION: Smoking increases your risk for colon cancer. Smoking for longer than 35 years can increase your risks significantly.

REGULAR EXERCISE: Inactivity has been found to increase the risk of colon cancer. At least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week is recommended to help prevent disease. Consult your physician about an exercise program that is right for you.

OBESITY: Obesity has been linked to an increase risk in colon cancer for both men and women. Recent studies have found that obesity increases a woman’s chance of developing colon cancer by 50% and a man’s by 80%.

HEALTHY DIET: A diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables can decrease your risk of colon cancer by up to 50%, as well as help with decreasing weight in people who are obese.

CALCIUM, VITAMIN D & FOLIC ACID: New research has shown that daily calcium, vitamin D and folic acid supplements taken regularly over a long period of time, may reduce your chances of developing colon cancer.

FIBER: Although evidence is conflicting, some studies have found that a diet high in fiber can help reduce your risk of colon cancer as well as improve gastrointestinal health.

ASPIRIN: Taking an aspirin a day has been proven to reduce the development of pre-cancerous colon polyp growth.