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Prevention of colon cancer – nutrition and lifestyle change

by — Last updated: 2022-09-25 in Healthy Living

Table of Contents

Unfortunately, most of the time we give little thought to the idea that we may be setting ourselves up for colon cancer. All the time, we do just what we shouldn’t - we don't drink enough water, or eat the right food.



Screening for colon cancer is a very important prevention factor. Some colon cancers develop from benign polyps, which is why discovering these polyps early, with several methods such as sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy available, may help prevent colon cancer. Not only that; studies have shown that if traces of colon cancer are found early, it is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer.

Dietary changes

Some simple dietary changes might be helpful in lowering the risk of developing colon cancer.

Some of the most common advices are:

  • Lower your intake of fat
  • Lower your intake of calories
  • Lower your meat and alcohol consumption


Also, a sedentary lifestyle combined with a diet high in saturated fats can contribute to colon cancer risk.

A diet low in fat and high in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and legumes (beans, peas) may reduce the occurrence of some types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

Fibers, the miracle food

Eating food that contains an adequate amount of fibers (wheat bran or whole wheat) is the most important component of a healthy-lifestyle program, which could aid in prevention of colorectal cancer.  A daily intake for adults should be at least 25 grams total fiber.
Fibers help move waste through our digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. Also, high-fiber food is rich in phytonutrients, which protect against several forms of cancer.

Lifestyle changes

To prevent not only colon cancer, but rather all other types of cancer and several other diseases, one should make certain lifestyle changes: smoking cessation, Aspirin use, decreased alcohol use, regular exercise, and dietary supplements. This will reduce morbidity from all possible disease and medical conditions and lead to a healthier life.

Some practical advices:

  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Take Aspirin
  • Get five servings of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains a day for fiber, calcium and folic acid
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Limit red meat and saturated fat
  • Exercise five days a week for at least half an hour


As we’ve already mentioned several times, these dietary and lifestyle changes also have a beneficial effect against other cancers and non-cancerous diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.