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Colon Cancer Caregivers

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Caregivers: How to Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer

According to Mayo Clinic, one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States is colon cancer. An additional 100,000 Americans will contract colon cancer ever year with half of the cases ending in death. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that over 90 percent of colon cancer occurs in adults over 50 years of age.

The good news is that there are many ways to reduce colon cancer risks, the number one way is through screening. The ACS estimates that less than 50 percent of adults over 50 have been screened for colon cancer even though it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. James Church surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. He says, "You can’t prevent breast cancer, lung cancer …show more content…

Even just walking for 20 minutes a day helps. Research found that those who exercise regularly have a 24 percent lower chance of contract the cancer. The best part is that it doesn't matter what the exercise is. Further, those who exercise and still get colon cancer have a far greater chance of survival than those who do not exercise on a regular basis.

Dietary changes also decrease the risk of colon cancer. The best food is cooked tomatoes because of the antioxidant lycopene. Researchers found that people who eat the most tomatoes have the lowest risk of colon cancer.

On the other side of the equation, diets that include a lot of processed meats lead to increased risks of colon cancer. By cutting out the hotdogs, bacon, and luncheon meat, decreasing the red meat, and adding more fish to your diet you can nearly chop your risk of colon cancer in half.

Caregivers can make a huge difference in the life of your senior loved one by encouraging and assisting them with an exercise regimen. They can also help plan nutritious meals, shop, and cook the types of foods that lead to lower colon cancer risks. Most of all, they can encourage your loved one to get a regular cancer screening, even providing the transportation there and back if

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