Actions and Options to Prevent Colon Cancer

Talk to your GP about participating in a colon cancer screening program

There are strong links between weight gain and colon cancer

a) Try to keep your stress levels under control so you are less likely to eat for emotional reasons.
b) Check the quality (eat whole foods, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein), quantity (when in doubt, eat half of it or less) and frequency of eating.
c) You should eat often - eat healthy snacks such as fruit, veggie sticks with low fat dips such as hummus or low fat yoghurt
d) Avoid processed foods
e) Be accountable for your calories. If you are female and in your 40s or 50s and exercising (not an athlete), then you'll need about 1,500 to 1,600 calories a day. A middle-aged man, average height and not an athlete but exercising, needs about 1,800 to 2,000

a) Take up weight training
b) Try out bootcamp with a personal trainer
c) Take the stairs rather than the lift
d) Walk to the shops rather than driving

Moderate your intake of processed and cooked meats

Individuals whose diets are high in red meat or processed meats (e.g. sausages, bologna, and luncheon) have an increased risk of colon cancer

a) Choose canned fish such as tuna or salmon instead of luncheon meats
b) Use avocado and hummus with freshly cooked skinless chicken
c) Talk to your local butcher about low fat sausage options

Choose a diet high in fruit and vegetables

These are linked with a decreased risk. Although the exact component that leads to protection (fiber, folate, antioxidants, and certain types of fats) remains to be established, it works.

a) Have 5 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fruit daily as rich sources of fiber and antioxidants
b) Drink green tea as a wonderful antioxidant source
c) Eat green leafy vegetables. They are the richest dietary source of folate

Eat more whole grains and other sources of soluble fiber

a) Have rolled oats in winter (rather than instant or quick oats)
b) Choose raw, untoasted muesli with fruit for summer
c) Try wholegrain spelt or kamut instead of wheat bread for toast

Heavy alcohol use has also been linked to colon cancer

a) Try a 'mocktail' instead of a cocktail next time you are in a bar
b) Choose mid-strength beer options rather than full strength
c) Have 2 alcohol-free days per week
d) Have one glass of wine in the evening instead of two

SLOW aging is about actively engaging with and savouring the aging process. It is about healthy ageing and how to live longer in health. It is not about how to live longer at the cost of quality. Many of our articles are derived from our book Fast Living, Slow Ageing which has been a bestselling book covering all aspects of ageing well, from heart health to hormones, diabetes and cancer prevention, weight management to skin rejuvenation, best practice exercise and nutrition, mind-body optimisation and sexual health.

We have many experts producing information on a daily basis. Go to http://www.slowagingblog.com/ for a raft of anti-aging and healthy ageing information.

Go to http://www.slowagingblog.com/ for information on the Fast Living, Slow Ageing paperback from where this article was sourced.

Original article