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Popularly known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that people suffer from today. This form of cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer, only behind skin cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. As such, it is important to take care of your colorectal health in order to keep your colon and rectum, free from cancer. Colorectal cancer refers to colon cancer and rectum cancer.

While colon cancer starts at the end of the digestive tract, rectal cancer breaks out in the rectum. Colorectal cancer is caused by small polyps that form these areas of the body, as they become cancerous over time. This article highlights six ways to protect your colorectal health.

How To Protect Your Colorectal Health

The following are tips on how to protect your colorectal health and reduce the risk of colon and rectum cancer.

  • Regular Testing: One of the best ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer is by taking regular tests on your colon. There are different types of tests that you can take to be sure of the state of your colorectal health. One of them is colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is an examination that entails checking the entire colon with the use of a flexible camera. The patient is usually under anesthesia during a colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy is another colorectal test, this entails the examination of the lower colon. There is also the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This is a lab test that is carried out to examine stool samples for hidden blood. In the case that blood is found in the stool, a colonoscopy usually follows.

  • Exercise: Engaging in regular exercise reduces the risk of colon cancer. You can start by walking for a few minutes every day. Slowly increase your exercise routine, until you get in good shape. Being physically active does not only improve your colorectal health but also keeps you fit and strong.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: In addition to exercising, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for protecting your colorectal health. Make sure to eat healthy food and exercise regularly to get in trim shape. This is because being obese leaves you at a higher risk of having colon or rectal cancer.

  • Eat Healthily: The food that you consume has a direct effect on your colorectal health. Make sure to eat healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, reduce your consumption of red meat as well as processed meat.

  • Quit Smoking: Smoking affects your colorectal health and leaves you at a higher of colon or rectal cancer. This is why it is important to quit smoking.

  • Quit Alcohol: Another habit to stop in order to protect your colorectal health is alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol affects the liver by increasing the workload, which then essentially releases toxins to the colon.

Conclusion

Early detection is key to surviving colon or rectal cancer, contact a colorectal surgeon today to book an appointment.