What is Colorectal Cancer and How Does It Affect Your Diet? | Blog | BASS Medical Group

According to American Cancer Society statistics, colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent kind of cancer in the country, affecting both men and women equally. Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, cramping or pain in the abdomen, changes in the form of the stool, changes in bowel habits, anemia, and weight loss are among the typical signs of this illness.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colon cancer, bowel cancer, and rectal cancer are further names for colorectal cancer. It is frequently recognized by doctors based on the tumor's starting point. When tumors or polyps form in the lining of the colon or the rectum, the last segment of the large intestine, cancer in the colon first appears.

If the polyps and tumors are not removed right away, they may develop into cancer over time. The condition becomes more serious since it can also spread to the other layers of the big intestine.

Colorectal Cancer Factors

A few genetic, medical, and modifiable risk factors for colon cancer include:

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• Colorectal cancer in the family or in one's person
• High levels of red and/or processed meat intake
• Continual smoking
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine usage for an extended period
• Low calcium consumption
• A lack of fruit and vegetable consumption
• Little consumption of whole-grain fiber
• Alcohol consumption ranges from light to high
• Active inactivity
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is a personal health history
• Obesity
• Diabetes type 2

Foods that Prevent Cancer in the Colon

To stop malignancies from spreading, your colon requires the appropriate ratio of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and flavonoids. Additionally important for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing bacteria buildup is dietary fiber. The best way to achieve this is to maintain a stable diet focused on maintaining colon health. The dietary categories listed below can aid in the prevention of cancer in the colon.

Fish

Inflammation inside the body can be decreased by eating fresh fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A Vanderbilt University research team discovered that women who consume three servings of fish every week lower their risk of colon polyps by 33%. Your best choices would be salmon that has been baked or smoked, tuna, and sardines because they are also high in calcium and vitamin D.

Fruits

Fruits are often high in fiber, phytochemicals particular to each species, and antioxidants that can help protect you from stomach issues. Some of the greatest foods to eat for fiber are apples, blackberries, bananas, blueberries, oranges, pears, and raspberries.

Veggies Low on Starch

Filling two-thirds of your plate with plant-based foods is recommended for general health since they are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. However, the American Diabetes Association advises placing a focus on non-starchy veggies to reduce your chance of getting Type 2 diabetes, another risk factor for colon cancer. Incorporate lettuce, kale, cucumbers, artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, okra, and spinach into your diet at least three to five times a day.

White Meat

White meat protein is essential for several processes, including tissue formation and muscle development. Additionally, since you should restrict your intake of red meat, skinless chicken or turkey would be better substituted. Also, a fantastic choice is eggs.

Whole Grains

Another fiber-rich food category that pairs well with fish, eggs, and white meat is whole grains. The healthiest choices for you would be quinoa, brown rice, barley, and oats.

Nuts

By consuming at least two one-ounce servings of nuts each week, you can lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. Nuts can also aid in lowering your risk of developing colon cancer since they are abundant in healthy fatty acids, fiber, and flavonoids. Tree nuts including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and macadamia nuts would be your best choices.

Beans

A fantastic amount of protein, fiber, vitamin B, and vitamin E is found in soybeans, lentils, peas, pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans. Beans and legumes not only support and preserve your colon, but they also lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

In Conclusion

Healthy eating choices are essential for preventing colorectal cancer. While this guide offers advice on which foods to consume in moderation and which to increase, it is still recommended that you see a doctor for a colorectal cancer screening because the illness doesn't often show signs until it has progressed to a more dangerous stage.

The colorectal cancer treatment team at Bass Medical is committed to your recovery. With access to the most recent, efficient therapies, including clinical trials, you receive the finest care available. The supportive approach used at Bass Medical addresses the entire individual, not just cancer.

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