To mark the month dedicated to colorectal cancer, Why Doctor takes stock of the six ways to reduce your risk of developing this malignant tumor of the large intestine.
- On average, 47,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in France.
- Prevention requires screening because in more than 80% of cases, this cancer comes from a benign tumor which progresses slowly until it becomes cancerous.
- But a healthy lifestyle also helps reduce risks, such as practicing physical activity, or eating little red meat and lots of fiber.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common: it ranks second in women and third in men, and represents the second cause of death from cancer. Every year, France has more than 47,000 new cases and around 17,000 deaths. How to reduce risks? What good habits can we adopt on a daily basis? Answers with colorectal surgeon Dr. David Liska.
Screen for and remove precancerous polyps
“We cannot prevent breast, lung or brain cancer in the same way” than colorectal cancer, explains the Cleveland Clinic doctor. “You can’t remove precancerous polyps from any of these organs like you can with the large intestine.” Indeed, in more than 80% of cases, this cancer comes from a benign tumor which slowly evolves until it becomes cancerous. Detected early enough, colorectal cancer is curable in 9 out of 10 cases. Therefore, one of the ways to prevent the disease is to perform a fecal immunological test. In France, it is done free of charge at home and is aimed at women and men aged 50 to 74 without symptoms, personal or family history of polyps, or particular risk factors. This screening kit proposed by Health Insurance is to be carried out every two years and obtained from the doctor or pharmacist.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent colon and rectal cancer
The other prevention measures for colorectal cancer are not very specific, and ultimately combine the same approaches as for other cancers, namely:
- have a balanced diet: reduce the consumption of red meat and processed meats, increase the consumption of fiber (legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables);
- monitor your weight to avoid becoming overweight;
- practice regular physical activity: at least 30 minutes 5 times a week or at least 2 sessions of 75 minutes;
- NO SMOKING ;
- limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages as much as possible.
To find out more about immunological screening, the National Cancer Institute explains everything to us in pictures:
