Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — yet it’s still a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The good news? Many of the risk factors are within your control. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Increases Your Risk for Colon Cancer?
There are both modifiable (things you can change) and non-modifiable (things you can’t) risk factors.
Modifiable Risk Factors:
These lifestyle choices or habits can increase your colon cancer risk:
- Obesity – If this is a concern for you, ask us about our LifePlan program!
- Low physical activity
- Smoking – both active and passive
- High salt intake
- High red meat consumption
- Low fruit and vegetable consumption
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
These can’t be changed, but they can inform how closely you monitor your health:
- Age – Colon cancer risk increases as you age
- Family history – Especially if a first-degree relative had colorectal cancer
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What if You Have Pre-Cancerous Findings?
If your colonoscopy reveals pre-cancerous cells or if you fall into a higher-risk category, don’t panic. There are actionable, evidence-based strategies that may help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
How to Prevent Colon Cancer
Focus on What You Can Control:
Start by addressing those modifiable factors. A few key lifestyle habits can go a long way:
- Fiber is your friend: Aim for 30+ grams per day.
- Eat the rainbow: Try to consume 30 different fruits and vegetables each week – fresh or frozen. This diversity supports a healthy gut biome.
- Move your body: 30 minutes of exercise, 5 times per week is ideal.
- Ditch processed foods: Especially those high in fat and salt.
Supplements That May Help*
These supplements are backed by research and may offer additional protection against colon cancer:
- Vitamin D – Supports immune health and lowers chronic disease risk. Get your levels checked to find the right dose.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Help reduce inflammation, a known driver of colon cancer.
- Ginger – Emerging studies suggest it may help slow colon cancer development by modulating inflammatory pathways.
- Curcumin (from turmeric) – Shown to down-regulate tumor-promoting factors in colorectal cancer.
Please speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Ready to Build a Personalized Prevention Plan?
If you’ve had abnormal colonoscopy findings or have a family history of colorectal cancer, we can work with you to create a customized, evidence-based plan to reduce your risk.
Reach out to learn more about our integrative approach that includes lifestyle changes, diet, and targeted supplements based on your health profile.
References:
- Aggarwal, B. et al. (2013). Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Agents. Current Colorectal Cancer Reports
- Johnson, C. M. et al. (2013). Meta-analyses of colorectal cancer risk factors. Cancer Causes & Control
- Lewandowska, A. et al. (2022). Risk Factors for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Control Journal