Colon Cancer - How to Launch a Pre-emptive strike

Only two types of cancer in men can be detected and stopped before they become cancer. They are Colon cancer and skin cancer. Doctors say that colon cancer is highly preventable if only people only knew how to deal it. One big reason that it can be prevented is that before it forms, it's red-flagged by growths known as polyps. These are small bumps with big heads and skinny necks that generally range in size from about 1 millimeter to 4 centimeters. They're not cancerous at first, but depending upon their type, 5 to 40 percent of polyps become tumors.

Still, it takes about 5 years for this malignant change to take place, leaving a window of opportunity for the doctors to remove the polyps, nipping the cancer in the bud.

Getting it in your sights

Polyps can be detected in a number of ways. The best way is to have regular checkups with your family physician. He does it with a flexible sigmoidoscope, a thin, bendable, 24 -inch tube like device with a tiny light and lens that goes inside the body, allowing the doctor to see what is inside your body through a viewing port. It is inserted in the rectum for a 5-to-10 minute procedure that allows a doctor to examine the entire lower third of the colon, where more than 50% of the tumors occur. It is not an exam to look forward to, but it is effective.

The Power of Diet
Detection isn't the only way to prevent colon cancer. You can also avoid things that raise your risk and take up things that reduce it. Here are a few tips :

• Cut fat : Population studies have found that people in countries with low-fat diets such as Japan have lower rates of colon cancer. So reduce fat intake to 30 % or less of total calories intake.
• Bulk Up : Eat a diet high in fiber content. This is said to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Some sources of good fiber are beans,lentils, dried pears , apples and whole wheat spaghetti.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables : These foods are both low in fat and generally high in fiber.

A Prevention Lifestyle
In addition to these basic guidelines, there are other options that may be worth acting upon. These include :

• Drink alcohol moderately : Many studies link spirits with colon cancer. Imbibing three drinks of wine or liquor each day raised risk by more than two times.
• Ask your doctor about aspirin : Numerous studies have found that people who take aspirin regularly have lower rates of colon cancer.
• Get Active : Physical activity has consistently been associated with lower risk of colon cancer. People who are most likely to exercise are also more likely to have a low-fat diet.