Ulcerative Colitis & Rectal Cancer: Prevent It!

Early Detection
Regular screenings can help prevent and possibly even cure some cases of rectal cancer. Colonoscopies help detect the presence of polyps in the colon. If these polyps are found in their early stages it is possible to cure colorectal cancer by removing them while they are still precancerous. This does not mean that the cancer will not recur. It does, however, significantly reduce the risks of redeveloping cancerous cells.

Exercise
Exercise is an important factor in maintaining good health and preventing a wide range of diseases. The American Cancer Society recommends participating in some form of exercise five days a week for at least thirty minutes a day. A good way to exercise your body is by walking. When you implement an exercise program it is important to maintain a routine to get the most benefit out of your program. Walking increases the activity of your colon. This helps to reduce problems such as chronic constipation and also reduces your risk for acquiring colorectal cancer by 33%. Participating in moderate to vigorous exercise programs at least five days a week may lower your risk even further.

Diet
Diet plays a large role in preventing an array of diseases including colon and rectal cancer. One of the best things you can do for your body is to cut down on red meats and processed meats such as lunch meat and hot dogs. High-fat animal proteins will significantly increase your risk for developing colorectal cancer. Lowering your fat intake, limiting the amount of meat you eat, and reducing your calorie content will help in preventing cancer. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Those that are overweight or obese are more likely to get colorectal cancer than those who maintain their weight. Eating a diet that is high in vegetables, fruit, fiber, and whole grains is healthy and has been linked to lowered risks of developing rectal cancer. When adding grains to your diet it is more beneficial to use whole grains rather than refined or processed grains.

Lifestyle
Habits such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are unquestionably linked to several different types of diseases and cancers. Those who have been consuming alcohol for more than twenty years are at a very high risk for developing colorectal cancer. Some studies have shown the risk to be reduced by a small margin when the alcohol consumed includes minimal amounts of wine and beer.

Sources:
www.ccfa.org
www.webmd.com
www.fda.gov
www.medscape.com