How to prevent colon and rectum (colorectal) cancer

There is no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer. However, health experts argue that avoiding various risk factors can help. The following are precautions for cancer that attacks the colon and rectum, including:

1. Be careful when using NSAIDs

NSAIDs, such as aspirin, are often used to relieve pain. Apparently, for people who are at risk of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of this type of drug should be limited. Because aspirin can cause bleeding and ulcers, making the risk of colorectal cancer higher.

So, how to prevent colon and rectal cancer that you can apply is to be careful using aspirin. We recommend that you consult your doctor first before using the drug.

2. Increase consumption of vegetables and fruit, and limit eating meat

Food is a source of nutrition for your body cells. To keep cells healthy, you must eat healthy, nutritious foods. You should increase your intake of vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds.

According to studies published on American Association for Cancer Research showed that coffee contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols that can reduce the risk of cancer because it reduces oxidative damage to cells in the intestine.

Not only that, the way to prevent the development of colon and rectal cancer can also be applied by limiting the consumption of red meat (beef or mutton) and baked goods.

Scientists found that red meat contains heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are chemicals that are produced from meat that is cooked at high temperatures. These chemicals can increase the risk of cancer if consumed in large amounts on a regular basis.

Then, people also tend to eat processed meats that are high in nitrates. When eaten, nitrates can turn into nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic (trigger cancer). Carcinogens are also found in grilled meat.

In order for colon and rectal cancer prevention efforts to be better, the portion of food must also be maintained and the presentation must be healthy, such as steamed, sauteed, boiled, or baked.

3. Stop smoking, limit alcohol, and exercise regularly

Carcinogens are also found in cigarettes and alcohol. Therefore, if you want to prevent colon and rectal cancer, stop smoking immediately and reduce the habit of drinking alcohol.

For women, drink no more than one glass of alcohol per day. Meanwhile, for men, no more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day. Then, try to get in the habit of exercising for at least 30 minutes each day.

4. Get screened for cancer

The risk of colorectal cancer can be very high, if you have family cancer syndrome. This condition indicates that you have inherited a certain gene mutation, making it more susceptible to having polyps in the intestine and developing cancer later in life. One sign is that there is a family member, either mother or father, who has cancer.

Well, if you are a person at risk, the most effective way to prevent colon and rectal cancer is to do regular screening tests. The reason is, through this test you and your doctor can detect the presence of colon cancer cells or abnormal polyps. For those of you who do not have a family risk of cancer, colon and rectal cancer screening can be done routinely when you reach 50 years of age.

5. Recognize the symptoms of colorectal cancer

Knowing the symptoms of this cancer more deeply, can help you detect the disease earlier. This action includes how to prevent cancer of the colon and rectum from getting worse.

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer (colon and / or rectum) include:

Changing bowel habits, ranging from frequent diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days.
There is bleeding in the rectum, sometimes making the stool darker.
Abdominal pain accompanied by the feeling of a full stomach.
The body is very weak and weight loss for no apparent reason.

If you experience symptoms of cancer, consult a doctor immediately to find out that the cause is cancer or other digestive problems.