What Can I Do to Prevent from Getting Bowel Cancer?

Australia is one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, with 12,000 new cases every year. It is almost 40% of those people will die from it. This is equivalent to one death every two hours(bowelcanceraustralia). Though bowel caner is a killer, if diagnosed and treated early, it is one of the most curable cancers. Prevention plays an important role in reducing the risk factors of developing bowel cancer through changes some lifestyle. They may include:

Diet

It is important to eat from the widest possible range of foods every day, including fruit and lots of vegetables, dairy products, cheese, yoghurt and eggs, wholegrain bread and cereals, rice and pasta, and seed or olive oils. Reduce dietary animal fat and protein intake

Try cutting down on calorie rich sugary snacks and drinks by substituting water and healthy snacks instead.  Eat smaller portions of fresh red meats (beef, lamb and pork), limiting them to just 2 or 3 meals per week.

Increase fiber intake with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and ensure adequate calcium and dairy foods.

Exercise regularly

Do exercises at least half an hour of moderate physical activity at least 5 times a week. The more active you are, the more you cut your risk of bowel cancer.

Maintain your body

Keep your body weight in check. Leaner people are far less likely to develop bowel cancer than obese people.

No smoking

Tobacco contains many toxins which have a negative effect on your body and significantly increase your risk of cancer.

Avoid excessive alcohol

There is limited risk if you drink only a small amount e.g. 1 small drink a day for women or 2 small drinks a day for men. The more you cut down, the more you reduce your risk.

It has been estimated that up to 75% of all bowel cancer could be prevented by changing your lifestyle.

what to know more:

Beating Bowel Cancer:  What is bowel cancer?

bowel cancer UK:  The Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer screening: National Bowel Cancer Screening Program