Cases of colon cancer are increasing among younger Americans, with the disease now being the top cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second deadliest cancer for women in the same age group. This alarming trend has prompted Dr. Michael Shusterman, a gastrointestinal oncologist, to share three simple lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of developing colon cancer.
Since the ’90s, rates of colon cancer have been on the rise in younger individuals, leading to a total medical cost of $24.3 billion for colorectal-cancer care in the US in 2020. While experts are still investigating the exact reasons behind the surge in cases, certain lifestyle choices have been associated with a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Factors such as obesity, type two diabetes, and smoking have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing the disease.
Dr. Shusterman recommends making small but significant changes to daily habits in order to reduce the risk of colon cancer. He advises quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, increasing fiber intake, and reducing red meat consumption. Additionally, avoiding ultra-processed foods and focusing on a healthy diet can play a key role in preventing colon cancer.
In his own life, Shusterman practices what he preaches by making manageable changes to his lifestyle. He suggests eating less red meat and treating it as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple, adding tree nuts to the diet, and taking daily vitamin D supplements. While the research on the benefits of tree nuts and vitamin D for colon cancer prevention is mixed, Shusterman believes that these adjustments are worth making in order to lower the risk of developing the disease.
By adopting these simple lifestyle changes, individuals can take proactive steps towards reducing their risk of colon cancer and improving their overall health. Dr. Shusterman’s advice serves as a timely reminder of the importance of making healthy choices to protect against this deadly disease.
