Minimize Your Risk
HGA recommends a healthy lifestyle and diet for the best prevention
While you can’t change your family’s medical history, you can maintain good health habits that minimize your risk of developing colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a slow-growing form of cancer that usually develops gradually over many years. It often (but not always) begins as a non-cancerous polyp or growth in the tissue that lines your colon or rectum and can become cancerous if left undetected.
You can prevent colorectal cancer by having a routine colonoscopy. Ask your primary care doctor when you should get your first screening or call HGA to schedule your appointment. This test screens the entire length of your colon for abnormalities and allows the gastroenterologist to remove any suspicious polyps or tissue that might otherwise change into cancer.
7 Steps for Preventing Colon Cancer
1. Get a colonoscopy
If you are in one of the following risk groups. It is estimated that 47% of adults 50 and older are not following this recommendation. Make your appointment today if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You’re over 50 and haven’t had your first colonoscopy
- You’re over 50 and haven’t had a screening in over 10 years.
- You have a family history of colorectal cancer: Schedule your first colonoscopy 10 years before the age your first-degree relative (mother, father, sibling) was first diagnosed
- You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps and your doctor has recommended a colonoscopy.
It is estimated one in three adults aged 50 to 75 years have not been tested for colorectal cancer as recommended.¹
2. Don’t smoke ever.
3. Drink alcohol in moderation.
4. Get adequate sleep.
5. Get out of your chair
If you are relatively inactive, begin an exercise program. If you already exercise, don’t stop.
6. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity is considered a possible risk factor for colon cancer.
7. Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Reduce how much red and processed meat you eat.
If you have any questions about when to get your colonoscopy or concerns about colorectal cancer, please call us.
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