You can help prevent colorectal cancer recurrence by lessening risk factors and following a healthy lifestyle, as well as following up regularly with your provider.
1. Exercise Every Day
Regular exercise lowers your risk of cancer by:
- Managing blood sugar and insulin levels
- Improving your immune system
- Protecting your bowel from cancer-causing molecules
- Preventing obesity
- Lowering hormones like estrogen and growth factors
“We know obesity increases risk of colorectal cancer recurrence because it also drives inflammation throughout the body,” says Dr. Kamath. Staying active can reduce that risk.
One meta-analysis showed a lower recurrence rate in participants who exercised more often.
Another recent study found that a structured exercise program reduced recurrence rates by 28 percent after five years and also improved survival following surgery and chemotherapy.
After treatment, you may not feel like hopping on a treadmill, but you can start small and ask your doctor for help building up to at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five days a week.
2. Adjust Your Diet
Diet plays an important role not only in colorectal cancer recurrence but also cancer development overall. For example, a Western diet high in fat and protein may bring more risk than the Mediterranean diet.
“A diet like the Mediterranean diet is ideal, as it is high in leafy green vegetables, lean protein sources like fish, poultry, beans/legumes, and olive oil for cooking,” says Kamath.
It’s also important to avoid red meat, processed foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages, which increase colorectal cancer risk, Kamath adds. A recent study found that a healthy diet lowers inflammation, which provides protection against colorectal cancer.
“Fortunately, this is the heart healthy diet that we already knew about, so it doesn’t require people to eat anything outlandish or start buying expensive supplements,” says Kamath.
“Some observational studies suggest tree-nut consumption [like almonds and walnuts] may be associated with some reduced risk of recurrence,” says Dr. Cecchini. Fiber also plays a protective role against colorectal cancer, with whole grains possibly providing the most benefit.
3. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes exposes you to over 7,000 toxic chemicals, at least 70 of which cause cancer.
Long-term cigarette smoking can not only promote colorectal polyp and cancer growth, but can lead to worse treatment outcomes.
“Don’t smoke. Ever. This is probably the most important lifestyle choice anyone can make,” says Kamath. If you already smoke, cutting back or quitting can lessen your risk, especially over time.
For anyone looking to quit, the American Cancer Society offers free resources to help you kick the habit.
“You can also protect against cancer recurrence by cutting back or eliminating alcohol,” says Kamath. Alcohol can increase colorectal cancer risk by introducing toxic chemicals; damaging DNA, proteins, and fats; and by making it easier for your body to absorb carcinogens.
If you drink, try to limit it to one drink a day for women, two for men.
4. Follow Up With Your Provider
After you recover from colon cancer, going to regular checkups can help your provider catch any developing recurrence early, says Kamath. To check for cancer growth, they may order:
These follow-up appointments and tests are vital to prevent the return of colorectal cancer.
5. Ask About Aspirin
Recent research suggests that taking low-dose aspirin daily may protect against colorectal cancer recurrence and even lower mortality.
“A recent clinical trial revealed a reduced risk of recurrence for patients that took 160 milligrams of aspirin daily for three years, if their tumors had mutations in [certain] genes,” says Cecchini.
However, other studies showed conflicting results, and not everyone should take aspirin, which can also cause some serious side effects.
So, be sure to ask your provider before you try it, says Kamath.
Great Job Abby McCoy, RN & the Team @ google-discover Source link for sharing this story.
