Colorectal is a form of cancer impacting the colon or rectum, and it stands as the third most widespread malignancy in both genders, with over 1.8 million diagnoses recorded worldwide annually. In India, the incidence of colorectal cancer patients has seen a hike of 15-20% in recent years, affecting individuals as young as in their twenties and thirties, which is an alarming matter of concern, particularly since colorectal cancer is eminently preventable and treatable if caught in its initial stages.

The Link between Lifestyle Changes and Colon Cancer

Doctors accentuate that modifications in lifestyle, such as a lethargic lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and a dearth of physical exertion, have contributed to the increase of colorectal cancer cases in India. Per Dr. Singh, the following elements exert a substantial influence on the progression of colon cancer:

1. Unhealthy Diet

An alimentation that is abundant in red and preserved meats, fats, and saccharides and deficient in fiber can augment the likelihood of colon cancer. Conversely, a diet replete with fruits, vegetables, and unrefined cereals can decrease the peril of developing colon cancer.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary existence, marked by minimal or no physical exertion, can escalate the possibility of colon cancer. Conversely, habitual physical activity can aid in decreasing the hazard of developing colon cancer.

3. Obesity

Corpulence is a contributory factor for colon cancer. Upholding a salubrious weight through a balanced diet and routine physical activity can assist in mitigating the likelihood of developing colon cancer.

4. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Tobacco use and intemperate alcohol ingestion are contributing factors for colon cancer. Ceasing tobacco use and moderating alcohol intake can aid in decreasing the peril of developing colon cancer.

Cancer Prevention Strategies

Prevention is key when it comes to colorectal cancer. Here are some strategies that can help the patient with colon cancer to reduce the risk of developing it:

• Get screened: Periodic diagnostic tests are crucial for the prompt detection of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society advocates that individuals with an average risk of colon cancer commence undergoing screenings at the age of 45. Individuals with a familial history of colon cancer or other contributory factors may necessitate commencing screenings sooner.

• Eat a healthy diet: An alimentation that is abundant in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and scant in preserved and red meats can assist in decreasing the likelihood of colon cancer. Abstaining from high-fat victuals and alcohol may also prove beneficial.

• Exercise regularly: Routine physical activity, such as brisk ambulation, can aid in reducing the hazard of colon cancer. Strive for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on a majority of the week's days.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Corpulence or obesity can escalate the likelihood of colon cancer. Sustaining a salubrious weight through a balanced diet and routine physical activity can assist in mitigating your hazard.

• Don't smoke: Tobacco use has been correlated to an elevated hazard of colon cancer. Cessation of tobacco use can aid in reducing your risk.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol ingestion has also been correlated to an augmented hazard of colon cancer. Moderating alcohol consumption can assist in lowering your cancer peril.

• Talk to your doctor about aspirin use: Certain studies have posited that regularly consuming low-dose aspirin may aid in reducing the hazard of colon cancer in some individuals. Nonetheless, aspirin may have adverse effects and is not advisable for all individuals. Consult with your doctor regarding the appropriateness of aspirin for you.

The impact of diet on colon cancer

Nourishment has a substantial impact on the progression of colon cancer. According to scholarly research, diets abundant in red and preserved meats, saturated and trans fats, and deficient in fiber can escalate the hazard of colon cancer. To mitigate the risk of colon cancer, it is advisable to restrict the ingestion of red and processed meats, fried edibles, and sugary beverages. In their stead, one should consume a diet replete with fruits, vegetables, unrefined cereals, and lean proteins.

The role of physical activity in preventing colon cancer

Physical exertion is also a critical factor in averting colon cancer. Regular physical activity can decrease the hazard of colon cancer by elevating the metabolic rate of bile acids and reducing the duration of waste materials spent in the colon. It is advisable to participate in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week to mitigate the hazard of colon cancer. Pursuits such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are all efficacious in preventing colon cancer.

The impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on colon cancer

Tobacco use and alcohol ingestion have also been recognized as contributory factors for colon cancer. Smoking heightens the hazard of colon cancer through the deterioration of cellular DNA and can also induce inflammation in the colon. Alcohol consumption can escalate the hazard of colon cancer through the degradation of cellular DNA and the augmentation of bile acid production in the colon. It is advisable to abandon tobacco use and moderate alcohol intake to decrease the risk of colon cancer.

Importance of Regular Cancer Screenings

• Early detection: Several forms of cancer do not exhibit symptoms in their incipient stages, and by the time symptoms become apparent, cancer may have already disseminated. Regular cancer screenings can identify cancer in its early stages when it is more straightforward to treat and has a higher probability of being remedied.

• Increased survival rates: The prompt detection and treatment of cancer can significantly amplify the chances of survival. For instance, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer that is detected in its nascent stage is nearly 100%, while the five-year survival rate for advanced breast cancer is only approximately 25%.

• Prevention: Some cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, can identify precancerous protuberances (polyps) that can be excised prior to their transformation into cancer. This can aid in preventing cancer from arising in the first instance.

• Personalized risk assessment: Cancer screenings can assist healthcare providers in evaluating an individual's personal hazard of developing cancer and advocate suitable subsequent testing and treatment.

• Peace of mind: For a considerable number of individuals, periodic cancer screenings grant peace of mind and aid them in feeling more in command of their well-being.

Periodic cancer screenings can aid in identifying colorectal cancer in its early stages when it is most manageable. The American Cancer Society advises that adults aged 45 years or older undergo screening for colon cancer. Individuals with a familial history of colon cancer or other contributing factors may require initiation of screening at an earlier age.