05:40 PM
Monday, December 19, 2022
I wrote – Asmaa Morsi
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women, and smart dietary choices can help you reduce your chances of developing it.
Below, we provide you with some symptoms and warning signs, risk factors, and a list of foods that contribute to the prevention of colon cancer, according to the “webmd” and “mayoclinic” websites.
Symptoms and warning signs:
A constant change in bowel movement, whether diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of stool.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Persistent abdominal disturbances, such as painful cramps, gas or pain.
A feeling that the bowel is not completely empty.
Weakness or fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.
Many people with colon cancer do not show symptoms in the early stages of the disease, but once symptoms do appear, they may vary according to the size of the cancer and its location within the large intestine.
the reasons:
Colon cancer occurs when changes (mutations) arise in the DNA of healthy colon cells. The cell’s DNA contains a set of instructions that direct the cell to what to do.
Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep the body functioning normally, but when the DNA is damaged and cancer develops, the cells continue to divide, even when no new cells are needed, the cells may accumulate to form a tumor.
Over time, cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy nearby normal tissue, and cancer cells can travel to and lodge in other parts of the body.
Risk factors:
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
1- Age: 90% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50.
2- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase the risk of colon cancer.
3- Inherited syndromes: Certain genetic mutations that you pass through several members of your family greatly increase your risk of colon cancer, such as: familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). .
4- A family history of colon cancer: You become more likely if one of your relatives has the disease.
5- Laziness: People who are lazy are more likely to develop colon cancer.
6- Diabetes: People with diabetes or insulin resistance are more likely to develop colon cancer.
7- Obesity: Obese people have an increased risk of infection.
8- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop colon cancer.
9- Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of infection.
Foods that prevent colon cancer:
1- Dairy products:
Calcium-rich dairy products help make you less likely to develop colon polyps.
2- Whole grains:
They are full of nutrients and are good sources of magnesium and fiber, maintain stool movement, and contribute to controlling cancer-causing compounds in the colon. These include: oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice.
3- Beans:
These legumes, and others like soybeans, peas, and lentils, are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins B and E. They also contain compounds called flavonoids, which can prevent the growth of tumors, as well as some antioxidants that may help protect you from colon cancer.
4- Colorful fruits and vegetables:
They contain natural substances that prevent the growth of cancer cells and fight inflammation that can fuel cancer.
5- Fish:
Salmon, like salmon, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health and may slow the growth of cancer cells.
