Introduction
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, and it is estimated that over 140,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, such as genetics and age, there are also certain bad habits that can increase your risk. Eating certain foods, being overweight, smoking, and drinking alcohol are all habits that can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. In this article, we will discuss the bad habits that can lead to colorectal cancer and provide tips on how to make healthier choices. We will also provide some “Eat This Not That” advice to help you make better food choices and reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
Bad Habits Leading to Colorectal Cancer — Eat This Not That
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and it is preventable. While genetics and age can play a role in developing colorectal cancer, there are certain lifestyle habits that can increase your risk. Here are some of the bad habits that can lead to colorectal cancer and what you should eat instead.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst habits that can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage the cells in your colon and rectum, leading to cancer. Instead of smoking, try eating foods that are high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, spinach, and kale. These foods can help protect your cells from damage.
Eating Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in sodium, fat, and sugar, which can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Instead of eating processed foods, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients that can help protect your cells from damage.
Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Instead of drinking alcohol, try drinking water or unsweetened tea. These drinks are hydrating and can help flush out toxins from your body.
Being Sedentary
Being sedentary can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Instead of sitting for long periods of time, try to get up and move around. Exercise can help reduce your risk of cancer by boosting your immune system and helping to flush out toxins from your body.
Conclusion
By avoiding these bad habits, you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk of cancer. Remember to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your risk of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. CRC kills about 50,000 Americans each year and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., after lung cancer. CRC is preventable, yet it remains the third most common cancer in men and women. The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2022 are:
- 106,180 new cases of colon cancer
- 44,850 new cases of rectal cancer.
Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. Read on to learn the bad habits that lead to colorectal cancer that you can change—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of CRC, especially cancer of the rectum. The more you drink, the greater your risk. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than two drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women.
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of CRC, especially in men. Fatty tissues produce hormones that can promote the growth of cancer cells. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight may help lower your risk of developing CRC.
Eating large amounts of red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, sausage, bacon, deli meats) increases your risk of CRC. The more meat you eat, the greater your risk. To lower your risk of CRC, limit your intake of red meat to no more than three ounces (about the size of a deck of cards) per day, and avoid processed meats altogether.
A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of CRC. To lower your risk, focus on eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale contain nutrients that may help protect against CRC.
Exercise can help reduce your risk of CRC by keeping you at a healthy weight, and helping you to avoid obesity. Exercise also helps the body to better process sugar, which may help to prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes – both of which are linked to an increased risk of CRC. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) on most days of the week.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of CRC is increased. This may be because diabetes is linked to obesity and insulin resistance – both of which are risk factors for CRC. Managing your diabetes by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed can help to lower your risk of developing CRC.
If you have IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), your risk of CRC is increased. IBD is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that can damage the lining of the intestine, making it more susceptible to cancer. Managing your IBD with medication and lifestyle changes can help to lower your risk of developing CRC.
Screening colonoscopies can help to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. They can also help to find CRC early when it is most treatable. If you are 50 years of age or older, or if you have a family history of CRC, talk to your doctor about getting a screening colonoscopy.
Smoking causes CRC by damaging the cells that line the colon and rectum. The risk of CRC is reduced by half in people who quit smoking, even those who have been smoking for many years.
These are the bad habits that lead to colorectal cancer that you can change. Make sure you keep up with screening and if you are at higher risk for CRC talk to your doctor about when to start screening and how often to be screened. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Gethin Williams MD Ph.D. is the Medical Director of Imaging & Interventional Specialists
Gethin Williams, MD, Ph.D