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Colorectal cancer accounts for as much as 10 percent. all cancer cases in Poland, and due to the fact that it is usually detected at a late stage, it has a high mortality rate. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of it occurring, or possibly detect it early on when it can be successfully treated.
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1/ 8 Eat colorful!
It is mainly about vegetables and fruits. They are rich in fiber, which perfectly sweeps food debris from the intestine, thus keeping them in good condition and minimizing the risk of inflammatory processes that can lead to cancer. It is also worth reaching for groats and cereal products made of wholemeal flour.
2/ 8 Cut down on meat
Research shows that eating red meat significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Also processed meat – e.g. sausages or all kinds of smoked meats – increase the probability of colon cancer by as much as 18%.
3/ 8 Lose weight
Increased levels of leptin – a hormone secreted by fat cells – promotes the formation of polyps in the intestine. These, in turn, can turn into malignant tumors. Weight loss reduces this problem.
4/ 8 Put some stimulants
Both smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol increase the risk of colon cancer. It’s best to quit cigarettes completely, and limit alcohol to three drinks or glasses of wine a week.
5/ 8 Supplement your vitamins
It is not necessary to reach for the entire Mendeleev table immediately, but there is a special vitamin that most Poles lack. It is about vitamin D, which is formed in our skin when we are exposed to sunlight. Research shows that a reduced level of this vitamin promotes the cancer process.
6/ 8 Monitor your bowel movements
If your bowel rhythm has suddenly changed, and it continues for a long time, it could be a sign that you have a tumor in your bowel. In such cases, you should also pay attention to the appearance of the stool. A darker color than usual may indicate bleeding.
7/8 Test on M2-PK
M2-PK is an enzyme that is important in the metabolism of cancer cells. For this reason, its presence in the stool may indicate a neoplastic process at a very early stage. The M2-PK test also detects polyps that may become malignant.
8/ 8 Get a colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer diagnosed at an early stage is in many cases completely curable. Unfortunately, it develops for a long time without symptoms, and one effective way to make a diagnosis in its early stages is through regular colonoscopy. All people over 50 should perform the test and repeat it every 10 years.