Bowel Cancer Prevention Tips

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Bowel cancer (or colorectal) is one of the deadliest in Brazil, second only to breast and prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca). It affects more than 40,000 Brazilians per year, with an estimate that mortality due to the disease will increase by 2025.

For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the factors that contribute to the prevention of bowel cancer and also to the examination to screen it. See some tips below.

What is bowel cancer?

Most tumors are generated from polyps, benign lesions that can grow on the inner wall of the large intestine. Symptoms of bowel cancer generally involve: rectal bleeding, dark-colored stools, constipation, frequent diarrhea, foul-smelling flatulence, mucus in the stools, feeling of wanting to evacuate frequently, among others.

When detected early, it is treatable, especially if it has not spread to other organs. Early diagnosis can enable a better form of treatment. If not treated, cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Generally, a colonoscopy exam is advised, which allows looking inside the rectum and colon.

But what can be done for the prevention of bowel cancer?

Physical activity

In addition to combating obesity, which is associated with various pathologies, regular physical exercise can protect the body from bowel cancer by decreasing insulin resistance (which stimulates cell growth, including cancerous cells) and releasing endorphins (a hormone that strengthens the immune system).

Diet rich in fibers, fruits, and vegetables

Fibers and fluid intake contribute to intestinal transit and are less aggressive to the cells of the intestinal mucosa. This reduces the risk of cancer in the intestine. Therefore, it is important to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fats and processed meats, as they increase the risk of cancer, in addition to contributing to insulin resistance and obesity.

Periodic colonoscopy examination

As already mentioned, when diagnosed early, bowel cancer is treatable. For this, it is important to screen for polyps, which can be removed before they even become bowel cancer.

The best form of bowel cancer prevention is early discovery, which can be done through periodic colonoscopy, especially for people over 45 years of age.

All people should start screening at the age of 50, even without symptoms. If you have parents or siblings who had colon cancer, especially before they were 50 years old, you may have a higher risk of polyps or cancer. In this case, your doctor may want to start screening before you turn 50.

Other factors

For the prevention of bowel cancer, a healthy lifestyle is necessary. Therefore, other factors should be avoided, such as:

• obesity;
• alcoholic beverages;
• smoking.

Colonoscopy at EndoBlog

EndoBlog is a website that provides truthful information given by specialist doctors with the aim of bringing more clarification on various topics involving the digestive system.

On the site, you can find various information on how to prepare for a colonoscopy and other questions. You can also find more data on endoscopy, an exam indicated for diseases of the upper part of the digestive tube.

Visit EndoBlog and check it out!