Colorectal cancer prevention

Colorectal Cancer might be one of those things we don’t want to think about.

But if you take a few minutes to read some of the following information, you might find that it is worth your time.

• Colorectal cancer is 90% treatable when detected early.
• It is most often found in people 50 years and over.
• It usually starts as polyps that that over time change into cancers
• Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
• Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon (large bowel) and rectum.

There is strong evidence that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Intentional exercise is less important than having an active lifestyle.

An active lifestyle can be accomplished by choosing the distant parking spot, taking the stairs, shopping, cleaning, going for walks, playing with children or pets and anything that keep you moving. Intentional working out is good also but harder to do if you are forcing it upon yourself to “stay healthy.”

Food and healthier fats can help our digestion and colon work smoother.

If you see any food that contains the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated,” leave it on the shelf. Margarine, Ramen noodles, fast food restaurants, chips, crackers, breakfast foods are all major suppliers of unhealthy fats. These unhealthy fats are used to prolong the shelf life of foods; it clogs your arteries unmercifully.

We can eat healthier fats: olive oil, legumes (try some split pea soup or chili with kidney beans. Soups are great with beans and rice). Eat seafood, such as salmon or tuna.

Fiber has been called the “colon broom.” Some fiber sources are: apples, pears, raspberries, kidney beans, garbanzo and navy beans, oatmeal, brown rice, legumes, whole grain bread, broccoli, carrots and peas. At www.mayoclinic.com, you can find out more foods that are good to eat every day.

Try planning the vegetables you will serve for your dinner before you think of the meat. You can have three or four vegetables at each meal instead of just one kind and then add the meat as a side dish. It won’t take long for your body to feel better and realize that it really needs and likes the foods that help prevent illness.

Jeanne Jones, Healthy Oxford Hills

LISA

The following are to have bullets:

• Colorectal cancer is 90% treatable when detected early.
• It is most often found in people 50 years and over.
• It usually starts as polyps that that over time change into cancers
• Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
• Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon (large bowel) and rectum.