Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Starting at age 50 (or earlier if you have risk factors), regular screenings and healthy lifestyle habits can make a big difference in reducing your risk.
If you’re over age 40, now is the time to be proactive.
Take a moment as our team at Las Vegas Gastroenterology shares five strategies to reduce your risk of colon cancer after age 40.
Your risk for colon cancer increases with age, especially after 50. But many people begin to develop polyps — the small growths that can turn into cancer — years before symptoms appear.
Other risk factors include:
Knowing your personal risk factors helps determine when and how often you need screening. It also helps you identify the modifiable risk factors you can change.
The best way to catch colon cancer early — or prevent it — is with regular screening. A colonoscopy is the gold standard. It allows our board-certified gastroenterologists, Dr. Noel R. Fajardo and Dr. Filippo Cremonini, to see inside your colon and remove any polyps before they become cancerous.
At Las Vegas Gastroenterology, we recommend that most people start screening at age 50. If you have a family history or other risk factors, we may recommend earlier screenings in your 40s.
Colonoscopies are safe, effective, and typically only needed once every 10 years if the results are normal.
To make your diet more colon-friendly, focus on eating more fiber, swapping out proteins, and staying hydrated.
A high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and reduce your cancer risk. Think about fiber as a natural broom that sweeps your colon clean, removing waste and toxins.
You need about 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories in your diet. That’s about 30 grams of fiber for anyone following a 2,000-calorie diet. The problem is that most Americans meet only a portion of their fiber requirements.
Raspberries, peas, pears, potatoes (with the skin), whole grain pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal are good sources of fiber.
Limit red and processed meats, which have been linked to higher colon cancer rates. According to a meta-analysis, regularly eating processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats is linked to a higher risk of several types of cancer.
Specifically, the study found that eating these types of meats leads to an increased risk of:
Reducing or eliminating cured and processed meats from your diet is a powerful step toward lowering not just your colon cancer risk but your overall cancer risk.
Staying hydrated helps prevent colon cancer by supporting regular bowel movements, which reduces the time harmful toxins stay in contact with your colon lining.
Physical activity supports your digestion and helps reduce inflammation throughout your body. Even moderate exercise, like brisk walking for 30 minutes most days, has been shown to lower colon cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society reports that 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week can lower your colon cancer risk by 8%, and 5 hours of weekly exercise can lower your risk by 14%.
Your gut microbiome plays a significant role in immune health. In fact, 80% of your immune cells are in your gut. Support it by eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir, or ask us whether a supplement is right for you.
If you experience frequent constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits, talk to us. These could be signs of something more serious.
Whether you’re due for your first colonoscopy, managing digestive symptoms (like constipation), or looking to lower your risk of colon cancer, our experienced team can guide you every step of the way.
And if you’re over 40, it’s time to make colon health a priority. Call one of our two locations in Las Vegas, Nevada, or book your appointment online to get started with a personalized colon cancer prevention plan.
