Colon Cancer Rates Could Be Reduced By Screening, Healthy Lifestyle
Colorectal cancer is the second most-lethal in the U.S., but could that change?
Perhaps, if it continues its steady decline. According to an American Cancer Society study, colon cancer rates have been declining for three decades and could continue to decline even further with increased screening and lifestyle changes, Business Week reported. As of now, only half of the U.S. population over 50 is up-to-date on colon cancer screening. Figures from the American Cancer Society indicate that about 141,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and 49,000 will die from it this year.
Besides getting screened, people can also reduce their risk of the cancer by 30 minutes of exercise a day, not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and reducing consumption of red and processed meats and alcohol. “A recent study found that about one-quarter of colorectal cancer cases could be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle,” the authors of the report said.