Lucky 13?
Nichole Andrews, a Washington-based oncology dietitian and author, is sharing 13 things to do to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
As The Post has reported, an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in 20- and 30-somethings is alarming health experts.
“As a cancer dietitian, I want to educate you on the things that do increase colon cancer risk and then things you can do to lower your colon cancer risk,” Andrews said in an eight-minute TikTok this week that’s drawn more than 18,000 views.
She advises quitting drinking, cutting out processed meats, adopting a high-fiber diet, moving more, exercising regularly, limiting red meats, eating whole grains, emphasizing plant foods, stopping smoking, undergoing regular screenings, reducing fat tissue, consuming more dairy and focusing on gut health.
1. Quit drinking
Ban the booze to lower your risk of colon cancer. New Africa – stock.adobe.com
Andrews’s primary suggestion is to slash the sauce. “The first thing you want to do is remove alcohol. Alcohol is going to increase risk of colon cancer,” she said.
Alcohol raises cancer risk because rather than digesting it, your body breaks it down into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA and prevents the body from repairing itself.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that all alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, have been linked to cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk.
2. Cut out processed meats
Processed meats have been deemed a carcinogen. Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com
No. 2 on the chopping block, or deli slicer, are processed meats.
Andrews explains, “Any consumption of processed meats increases the risk of colorectal cancer, especially those red, processed meats, like sausages, things considered red meat, like beef, pork or lamb, pepperonis on pizza, daily meats for your sandwiches. Removing processed meats from your lifestyle, including hot dogs, will help you reduce your risk of cancer.”
Other experts agree. In 2015, the World Health Organization named processed meat a carcinogen.
3. Follow a high-fiber diet
Andrews recommends 30 grams of fiber per day. bondarillia – stock.adobe.com
Andrews explains that consuming 30 grams of fiber a day helps reduce the risk of colon cancer. She recommends that people seek fiber from plant sources, which include fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.
“We need to focus on adding these plant foods to every single meal,” she said. “They will help you get to that 30 grams of fiber a day.”
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise lowers the risk of many types of cancers, including colon cancer. NDABCREATIVITY – stock.adobe.com
Andrews insists that regular exercise is essential to lowering your risk of colon cancer. She suggests 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, a recommendation that echoes the World Health Organization.
Moderate intensity is defined as the ability to talk but not sing while working out, while vigorous intensity equates to the inability to converse.
5. Move more, sit less
Doing chores around the house is a great way to get moving and burn calories. Getty Images
In addition to meeting your moderate or vigorous minutes each week, Andrews stresses the importance of being physically active throughout the day.
“I need you to be moving — using your body, moving around, doing things with your family, doing things with yourself, going for walks, doing things around the house. Moving more and sitting less will reduce your risk of colon cancer,” she said.
6. Limit red meats
Red meat should be kept to a minimum. Getty Images
Red meat is a red flag when it comes to cancer risk.
Though it’s nutrient-rich, red meat contains heme iron, which can facilitate the production of potentially carcinogenic chemicals.
According to Andrews, moderation is the name of the game. She says 18 ounces, or 500 grams of red meat a week, is generally OK. “You just don’t want to go beyond that 18 ounces — that is going to increase the risk of colorectal cancer,” she explained.
She also strongly cautions against the carnivore diet: “It’s a very low-fiber diet. It’s full of processed meats, especially red meat. That’s going to increase your risk of colon cancer 100%.”
7. Choose whole grains
Whole grains hold a wealth of health benefits. nehopelon – stock.adobe.com
Andrews says to reach for the whole kind when it comes to grains. “You name it, there is a whole grain option, and you should choose that. It’s going to be higher in fiber, it’s going to have more nutrition, and likely more protein. It’s going to be a better choice,” she said.
8. Emphasize plant foods
Plant foods are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. alicja neumiler – stock.adobe.com
In addition to adding fiber to your diet, plant foods are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, known to combat cancer.
“When you eat an orange, nuts or whole grains, you reduce the risk of cancer,” she said. “You’re shielding cells from any free radicals, and you’re helping cells repair and get back to normal and not become cancerous. It’s amazing.”
9. Stop smoking
Smoking, especially in conjunction with drinking, greatly increases your risk of developing colon cancer. mitarart – stock.adobe.com
Andrews insists that if you want to lower your colon cancer risk, pass on the puffing, particularly if you’re smoking and drinking.
“If there’s smoking going on, you’re increasing your risk of many different cancers,” she said. “You increase your risk of cancer if you combine alcohol and smoking. We definitely don’t want to be doing those together.”
10. Get screened for cancer
Human colon cancer cells with the nuclei stained red. AP
Andrews recommends regular screenings. Screenings for colorectal cancer typically start at age 45, but those experiencing symptoms and those with a family history may be eligible earlier.
“Everyone will be a little different, but you need to check in with your doctor and get screened,” she said. “That’s a great way to find things if they’re there ahead of time so you can get them gone.”
11. Reduce body fat tissue
Obesity is one of the reasons for increases in newly diagnosed cancer cases. 9nong – stock.adobe.com
Andrews explains that a high amount of body fat tissue increases your risk of developing colon cancer.
To combat this fat and lower your risk, she suggests “more plant foods, higher fiber, more exercise, moving more — all of these things are going to help you lower that body fat.”
12. Embrace dairy
TVA is found in dairy products like cheese, yogurt, milk and butter. Vika – stock.adobe.com
Andrews says calcium is key to colon health. Her suggestion to get down with dairy is supported by a recent study that suggests dairy products can help the immune system fight off tumors.
The Post has reported that the compound trans-vaccenic acid, or TVA, found in dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt seems to activate T cells, which help the immune system fight germs and protect against disease.
13. Improve gut health
A healthy gut helps reduce the risk of colon cancer. iStockphoto
Andrews says good gut health holds the key to staving off colon cancer. She urges those with GI issues to seek treatment and recommends everyone prioritize fiber, pro- and prebiotic foods, hydration and adequate sleep.
“What does that do? It creates consistent bowel movements. You should not be chronically constipated,” she said. “It should not be really hard for you to pass a bowel movement. To reduce colon cancer, take better care of your gut health.”
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