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New Study Says Gender and Diet Influences Colon Cancer Risk

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Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Even though incidence is decreasing among older adults, colon cancer mortality among Americans under 55 is steadily increasing. Why are younger people dying from colon cancer? Perhaps examining the risk factors and preventive measures can provide a better understanding of why colon cancer is no longer a disease of the elderly.

Some of the main risk factors for colon cancer include obesity, a low-fiber/ high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle. New research suggests that gender can also be a factor. For example, recent data found that males who eat a high-fat diet can develop harmful gut inflammation, making them more susceptible to colon cancer.

Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk in Mice

A multi-institutional research team studied male and female mice to compare the levels of an inflammatory marker associated with colon cancer risk. When the mice ate a control diet, males had higher levels of inflammation.

When the research team fed all mice a high-fat diet, both genders experienced increased inflammation. However, only females had lower inflammation when the team combined exercise with a high-fat diet.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that males respond poorly to a high-fat diet, causing inflammation and increased cell proliferation, making them at greater risk for colon cancer,” the research team wrote (Medical Xpress).

How to Eat a Low-Inflammation Diet for Colon Health

Although the study suggests males may be at heightened risk for colon cancer, it’s important to remember that this disease can affect anyone. The American Cancer Society estimates that 53,200 people died from colorectal cancer in 2020, and 3,640 were adults younger than 50.

Preventing inflammation begins with your fridge and not with ibuprofen. Some of the foods that produce inflammation include:

  • Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, cereal, pastries and cookies
  • Fried foods, prepared foods, processed foods and foods with preservatives
  • Soft drinks and beverages sweetened with sugar
  • Red meat and processed meat like sausage and hot dogs
  • Shortening, lard and margarine

To reduce inflammation, one of the healthiest eating plans is the Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish and healthy oils like olive oil and avocado oil. As you shop at the grocery store, look for anti-inflammatory foods such as:

  • Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and mustard and collard greens
  • Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel which are high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Tomatoes
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Almonds, walnuts and other nuts (Harvard Health)

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

While a low-inflammation diet can help prevent colon cancer, the best way to lower your risk is a colon cancer screening. There are many methods of screening, but the gold standard is colonoscopy. Unlike a stool test, a colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove any precancerous growths called polyps.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. However, if you are at high risk for colon cancer (history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and certain genetic conditions), or if you have digestive symptoms, you should get screened earlier. Use our Locator Tool to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.

Vitamin D May Lower Risk for Colon Cancer in Younger Adults

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Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for building healthy bones, supporting immune health and maintaining muscle and brain cell function. A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests increased levels of vitamin D could help prevent colon cancer.

New Research Regarding Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer incidence is reportedly declining in many countries, but the incidence is increasing in younger adults. Family history and heredity only account for a small percentage of colon cancer among early-onset cases, so experts suspect lifestyle patterns and dietary habits play a significant role.

Scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other institutions analyzed the Nurses’ Health Study II data. They were particularly interested in finding an association between vitamin D intake and young-onset colon cancer, diagnosed before 50 years of age.

Kimmie Ng is the Director of the Young-Onset Colon Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. “Vitamin D has known activity against colorectal cancer in laboratory studies,” Ng said. “Because vitamin D deficiency has been steadily increasing over the past few years, we wondered whether this could be contributing to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in young individuals” (The Harvard Gazette).

Ng and colleagues found that a daily intake of 300 IU or more of vitamin D per day was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of colon cancer among women under 50. That is equal to three eight-ounce glasses of milk.

Dietary vitamin D displayed more favorable results than vitamin D supplements, suggesting that vitamin D offers more protective benefits when ingested in food sources. Good sources of vitamin D include:

  • Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring
  • Egg yolks
  • Red meat
  • Liver
  • Fortified foods like breakfast cereal, milk and orange juice
  • Mushrooms

Ng says the study results underscore the importance of vitamin D in young adults’ health and possibly preventing colon cancer. “It is critical to understand the risk factors that are associated with young-onset colorectal cancer so that we can make informed recommendations about diet and lifestyle, as well as identify high-risk individuals to target for earlier screening,” said Ng.

How You Can Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

While diet and exercise are essential for health and cancer prevention, the best way to lower your risk for colon cancer is a colon cancer screening. The gold standard is colonoscopy because it allows your doctor to examine the entire colon for precancerous growths called polyps and remove any suspicious lesions. Colonoscopy offers not only the ability to diagnose colon cancer, but to treat and prevent it, all in a single exam.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

When was your last colonoscopy? The recommended age for colon cancer screening is now 45, so it may be time for you to schedule an appointment.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or are experiencing symptoms that may be due to colon cancer, you should consult your physician. Colonoscopy may be recommended regardless of age.

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the calendar year. Colonoscopy is considered preventive care, so your procedure could be very low-cost or even free. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your deductible status.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

If you are looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can help. Enter your zip code here to locate a GI doctor in your area. Don’t wait until December to schedule your colonoscopy. Call today.

Colonoscopy is Elective but Essential: Schedule Today

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Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember that your screening colonoscopy may be essential for good health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

Did your colonoscopy get delayed because of the pandemic? With the resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are reallocating resources and delaying elective procedures like colonoscopy.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedure. Instead, it simply distinguishes between surgeries that are for emergencies and those you can schedule in advance.

For example, knee replacements and non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective because they could be scheduled for a future date. Screening colonoscopies are also considered elective. However, just because a procedure is labeled elective, doesn’t mean you should elect not to have it. You should schedule it when you can.

Colonoscopy Is Essential Preventive Care

Screening colonoscopy may be essential for your health because it can allow for early detection and removal of potentially cancerous polyps. According to the new guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45.

Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise in the United States, and younger people tend to have more aggressive tumors that may be more difficult to treat. Having your regular colonoscopy at recommended intervals helps ensure that your doctor can detect and treat any developing polyps before they become cancerous.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Colonoscopy

Even though hospitals have delayed colonoscopies and other procedures and surgeries, you may have another option. Scheduling your colonoscopy at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

  • Outpatient surgery centers are dedicated to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your procedure may be less likely to be affected.
  • ASCs are smaller than hospitals and have convenient parking.
  • Your procedure may be less expensive at an ASC.
  • Many patients say that ASCs feel comfortable and more like home.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your colonoscopy before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you. Then, put a colonoscopy on the top of your list to complete by the year’s end.

Take our short quiz to see if you are eligible for a free or low-cost colonoscopy.

Hispanics Are Less Likely to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer screening rates are significantly lower among Hispanic Americans than non-Hispanic whites among adults over 50, putting Hispanics at increased risk for advanced-stage colon cancer.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as a polyp, a tiny growth that forms in the colon’s inner lining.

Hispanics and Colon Cancer Statistics

According to the National Colon Cancer Roundtable, one in two Hispanic adults between 50 and 75 years of age are not getting tested as recommended. Because of lower screening rates, colon cancer causes about 11 percent of cancer deaths among Hispanic males and nine percent of Hispanic females.

Common Myths about Colon Cancer and Colonoscopies

There are many myths surrounding colon cancer and colon cancer screening. Often, these myths prevent people from getting screened. Here are some common misconceptions and concerns about colon cancer and colon cancer screening, along with facts about the disease and this life-saving procedure:

Myth Truth
“I don’t need to go to the doctor because I feel fine
and don’t have symptoms of colon cancer.”		 Colon cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages.
“Colonoscopies take too much time. I will miss work, and I can’t afford that.” You will only need to miss one day of work for a colonoscopy. There are also other options for colon cancer screening that do not require you to miss any work.
“A colonoscopy is too expensive.” Insurance covers colonoscopy screenings. There are many ways to get a low-cost or free colonoscopy.
“A colonoscopy is dangerous.” The risk of injury during a colonoscopy is low. Not getting screened at all puts you at high risk for a deadly disease.
“Doctors just want money. They don’t care about my health.” GI physicians are focused on saving lives. Your doctor will want you to feel comfortable and confident about your upcoming procedure, so write down your questions and concerns about colon cancer screening and discuss them with your doctor.
“It’s embarrassing to get a colonoscopy.” GI physicians and their teams are accustomed to performing colonoscopies all the time, so there’s no need to be embarrassed! A colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer, and if you get a clean bill of health, you may only have to repeat the test every 10 years.
“I don’t understand the procedure. I don’t feel like I’m in control.” Ask your provider for information, like pamphlets or websites, to help you understand more about the procedure.

Importance of Quality Colon Cancer Screening

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get screened. The American Cancer Society suggests that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. There are two basic screening methods:

  1. Colonoscopy—A colonoscopy is the most effective screening test to prevent and detect colon cancer. This screening uses a narrow, lighted tube with a camera to view your colon and rectum. You will be asleep during the procedure. Your doctor can remove colon polyps during the exam, and this can help prevent you from getting colon cancer. If your test result is normal, you will likely not need another colonoscopy for ten years.
  2. Stool test—You can perform a stool test, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), at home. A stool test may detect small amounts of blood that you cannot see. Blood in the stool can sometimes indicate colon cancer. You can receive a kit that allows you to collect a small amount of stool and send it to a lab to test it for hidden blood. If your test is positive, you will have to get a colonoscopy. Depending on the results, you may have to repeat the stool test every year.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among Hispanic men and women in the US. It doesn’t have to be! Regular screening starting at age 45 can often help prevent cancer or find it early when it’s small and easier to treat.

Are you due for a colon cancer screening but don’t know where to begin? Click here to locate a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area. Our doctors and nurses are kind and compassionate, and they will patiently answer your questions about colon cancer screening.

Your family loves you and wants you to live a long, healthy life. Good health begins with a colon cancer screening. Call today to make an appointment.

Will Daily Aspirin Prevent Colon Cancer or Threaten Health?

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Taking daily aspirin could lower risk for colon cancer, according to an animal study published in Carcinogenesis.

We’ve all heard “an aspirin a day keeps the doctor away,” but aspirin may also keep cancer away. New City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California, conducted a study on mice and found daily doses of 100 milligrams of aspirin causes colon tumor “suicide.” The study also discovered aspirin prevents bowel cancer from returning.

Benefits of Daily Aspirin

This is not the first study to praise the health benefits of aspirin. A 2016 study published in JAMA Oncology found long-term aspirin use correlated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the U.S. Preventative Task Force recommended “low-dose aspirin therapy for primary prevention of colorectal cancer for patients from age 50 to 59 years if they have a life expectancy of at least 10 years and are willing to take it for at least 10 years.”

Today, about six million Americans take aspirin on a daily basis to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Aspirin may also be instrumental in preventing inflammatory diseases like arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

In spite of aspirin’s therapeutic benefits, doctors are increasingly concerned about the side effects of regular aspirin use. In 2019, the American Heart Association altered its guidelines about aspirin and suggested Americans should only take the drug if it is prescribed by a physician. Studies linked aspirin to increased risk of bleeding in the intestines and stomach, and brain bleeding that can cause strokes.

Aspirin’s risks should be weighed accordingly, but its impact on colon cancer prevention cannot be understated. Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 135,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in 2020 and colon cancer will claim the lives of more than 50,000 people this year.

Who Should Not Take Daily Aspirin?

The good news is that you do not have to make the decision about whether to begin taking aspirin. Your doctor will look at your health history and advise you. Certain individuals should not take aspirin because the risks outweigh the possible benefits. You should not take daily aspirin if you:

  • Will be undergoing a medical procedure soon
  • Have an intolerance to aspirin
  • Are at increased risk for internal bleeding
  • Regularly drink alcohol

Colon Cancer Prevention: Call Your Gastroenterologist

Call your gastroenterologist to talk further about colon cancer prevention. The best way to protect yourself from colon cancer is to schedule routine colonoscopies. The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45, but Medicare and many insurance carriers do not cover screening colonoscopies until age 50. Call your insurance provider to get the most updated information about your plan. Remember, colon cancer prevention is less expensive than colon cancer treatment. Click here for a list of GI centers in your area.

Healthy Thanksgiving Foods to Combat Diabetes

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to make healthy lifestyle changes. We also celebrate another much-loved holiday in November, Thanksgiving. For many people, Thanksgiving is a time for family and feasting, but for those with diabetes, trying to maintain blood sugar can be tricky. Sugary delights like cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie are traditional favorites, but diabetics must also watch carbohydrate and fat intake.

This year, in keeping with Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s make healthier substitutions for the processed sugar and simple carbs we usually consume at Thanksgiving. Here are some low to no-sugar options:

  1. Cranberry Sauce: Canned cranberry sauce is simple and tasty, but it’s loaded with sugar (24 grams per 1/4 cup in Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce) (Calorie King). Instead, try this Sugarless Cranberry Sauce that uses fresh cranberries, natural sugars from pineapple and orange juices, unsweetened applesauce and honey. Alternatively, try this Low-Sugar Apple-Cranberry Sauce with chopped Gala apples, fresh cranberries and raw sugar. You won’t miss all the refined sugars.
  2. Sweet Potato Casserole: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so topping them with sugary marshmallows or loads of brown sugar is not necessary. Instead, substitute maple syrup or Stevia and add grated orange rind for extra flavor. This Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole is big on flavor and low on carbs and sugar.
  3. Pumpkin Pie: Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without this quintessential favorite. This Low-Fat Pumpkin Pie keeps calories and sugar low by using a reduced-fat graham cracker crumb crust, sugar-free pudding and fat-free cream cheese and whipped topping.
  4. Mashed Potatoes: While not sugary, potatoes are high in starch and when mashed with cream and butter, also high in fat. Instead, opt for these Rosemary Roasted Potatoes using fresh rosemary and heart-healthy olive oil. For added fiber, try these Simple Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

In addition to these healthy substitutions, here are some tips for making wise food choices this Thanksgiving:

  • Eat a high-fiber, protein-rich breakfast before the big meal so you won’t be tempted to over-eat.
  • Choose water instead of sugary colas or alcohol with your meal.
  • Choose steamed or roasted vegetables over casseroles loaded with cream sauces.
  • Choose white turkey meat over dark and no skin.
  • Fill your plate with salad or other vegetables.
  • Skip the high-carb dinner rolls and stuffing.
  • Take a walk after dinner.
  • Test your blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions worldwide, including roughly 30 million in the U.S. (Diabetes). It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The pancreas has a limited ability to produce the insulin necessary to regulate blood sugar properly. Without regulation, sugar remains in the blood stream, causing organ damage.

This November, in celebration of Diabetes Awareness Month and Thanksgiving, make healthy dietary choices by choosing low-sugar food options and taking proactive measures not to overindulge. Instead of focusing on food, be grateful for the time you get to spend with your loved ones.

Benefits of Eating Greek Yogurt: Colon Cancer Prevention

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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Society. What if eating Greek yogurt daily could help cut your risk? Research shows that it can aid in colon cancer prevention by improving digestive health and boosting immune health!

Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is packed with “healthy” bacteria called probiotics. These “live microorganisms” help create a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. They work to help improve digestive function, promote regularity, and help the immune system function at its best. Without probiotics, bad bacteria can build up and damage the immune system, creating digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and pain. Certain probiotic strains can even help reduce inflammation, a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.

Greek yogurt is also a good source of calcium, with 20 percent of your daily recommendation in ½ cup. Studies show that higher calcium intake seems to protect high risk people from developing polyps that may later lead to colon cancer. That may be partly because calcium plays a protective role against inflammation. Another benefit is that Greek yogurt provides a good bit of protein to promote fullness.

So aim for more probiotic-rich Greek yogurt in your diet to support optimal immune and digestive health and prevent colon cancer. You don’t have to just eat a plain bowl of Greek yogurt either. This recipe shows you it’s possible to use it as a substitute for mayo in your favorite dishes…like egg salad!

Egg Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Ingredients: (serves 2)

  • 4 boiled eggs, peeled/chopped
  • 3 tbsp chopped dill pickles
  • ¼ cup chopped avocado
  • 3 tbsp Chobani plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • ¾ tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp spicy brown mustard
  • ½ tsp dried dill weed
  • ⅛ tsp sea salt
  • ⅛ tsp pepper
  • Pinch of onion powder
  • 6-7 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • handful of mixed spring lettuce
  • paprika

Directions:

  1. Mix the chopped boiled eggs, pickles and avocado in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. In another smaller bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, dill, sea salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Then, pour this into the first bowl to stir together with the egg mixture.
  3. Serve egg salad on a bed of lettuce with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of paprika (or make a sandwich out of it with some lettuce and whole wheat bread).

Gastroparesis, Often Undiagnosed, Can Cause Crippling Results

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If you experience bloating, pain, reduced appetite and a constant feeling of fullness after eating, you may have a digestive motility condition. August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month and Digestive Tract Paralysis Month, so let’s learn about the characteristics of this stomach motility disorder.

What is Digestive Tract Paralysis?

Digestive tract paralysis is an inclusive term for disorders characterized by slow, delayed or incomplete movement of the gastrointestinal system. There are three main types of digestive tract paralysis: gastroparesis, colonic inertia and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Colonic inertia and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction are quite rare, but gastroparesis is estimated to affect one in every 25 Americans.

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition caused by slow stomach emptying. Ordinarily, partially digested food (chyme) is propelled through the digestive tract through rhythmic gastric contractions. This involuntary motion is known as peristalsis, and it moves stomach contents into the small intestines where nutrients can be absorbed and used by the body.

If these essential contractions are slow, erratic or absent, food material remains in the stomach. This can cause a feeling of fullness long after a meal. Because the chyme does not continue to move through the digestive tract, it begins to ferment and can cause gas, bloating, cramping, nausea and vomiting.

If gastroparesis goes undetected, the body will become malnourished due to vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiencies. As a result, patients with gastroparesis may experience weight loss, lethargy and exhaustion.

Common Causes of Gastroparesis

Although there are several events and conditions that can interrupt normal digestion, often, physicians cannot pinpoint a single cause of gastroparesis. Some people develop gastroparesis after a surgical procedure. The vagus nerve is the main nerve that communicates with the digestive tract to stimulate gastric secretions and involuntary stomach contractions. If the vagus nerve is injured or damaged during surgery, it can’t send signals to the stomach, gallbladder or intestines.

While it may be difficult to find the cause of gastroparesis, there are particular risk factors that increase the chances of developing the condition. These include:

  • Abdominal or esophageal surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Narcotic or opioid use
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Effects of Gastroparesis

Chronically delayed stomach emptying creates dramatic shifts in blood sugar levels and can cause dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Repeated vomiting due to gastroparesis can cause dehydration, esophageal damage and tooth decay. In severe cases, undigested food can accumulate and solidify into a mass called a bezoar that can obstruct the digestive tract.

If you have GI symptoms that you suspect may be due to gastroparesis, make an appointment with a board-certified gastroenterologist for evaluation and testing. Gastroparesis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Even if it turns out that you do not have gastroparesis, a GI specialist can help you find relief from your symptoms.

How to Get Involved

Now that you know more about gastroparesis, you can be aware of the severe health risks that a stomach motility disorder can cause. Many people have never heard of gastroparesis, so you can start a conversation and encourage others to spread the word.

Another way to recognize Gastroparesis Awareness Month is through social media. Visit the International Foundation for Functional Digestive Disorders website and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. With just one click, you can tell those you love about gastroparesis prevention and management.

Or, find out if your local hospital or digestive care center has an educational program about gastroparesis. If there’s a digestive health event in your area, take a friend or family member along with you to learn more.

Your digestive health is an essential component of your overall wellness, but only you can make it a priority. If you have questions or concerns, call a gastroenterologist. Remember, the American Cancer Society suggests that all adults over 45 should be getting routine colonoscopies to prevent colon cancer. Even if you feel healthy, you still need to schedule a screening.

Click here to get a list of board-certified gastroenterologists in your community. Our physicians are ready to partner with you to maintain your digestive health.

Alcohol Increases Risk of Colon Polyps, Colon Cancer

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Many people like to have a drink or two to unwind after a long day. Some enjoy having a drink to welcome the weekend while others don’t need any reason at all.

The truth is, for those of us who drink alcohol, consumption can add up quickly. We might just be drinking more than we realize – completely unaware that we are increasing our risk of cancer. The World Health Organization says as many as 25 percent of cancers worldwide may be attributable to alcohol consumption.

Unless you completely abstain from drinking, every alcoholic beverage you consume affects your cancer risk and overall health.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase our understanding of alcoholism, its causes, effective treatment and recovery. Take a few moments to consider your consumption of alcohol and evaluate the role it plays in your lifestyle.

Alcohol Consumption is a Leading Risk Factor for Colon Cancer

According to a survey by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), 4 in 10 Americans are unaware of how alcohol affects their cancer risk. Consuming alcohol (even at low levels) increases your risk of developing several different types of cancer, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast, liver and rectum. Alcohol use is one of the leading risk factors for colon cancer because it increases the likelihood of polyp development in the colon lining.

How Alcohol Aids in Colon Polyp Production

When your body metabolizes alcohol, it breaks down into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA in colon cells and cause mutations that increase your risk for polyps. All polyps are benign when they form, but they have the potential to become cancerous if they are not detected and removed during a colonoscopy.

How Much Alcohol is Safe

Your risk of developing alcohol-related colon cancer is driven by the total amount you consume per day. If you drink an average of three and a half drinks per day (about 50 grams of alcohol), you are increasing your risk for developing colon cancer by 50 percent compared to light drinkers or non-drinkers.

Recently, binge drinking has become a widespread problem, especially for older women. The AICR found that 1 in 10 adults is a heavy binge drinker, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. This is defined by four drinks per day for women and five drinks per day for men, at one time (source: U.S. News Health).

The AICR recommends limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one per day for women. The problem is that actual serving sizes of alcohol don’t always correspond to the measurements researchers use when conducting studies.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says a standard alcoholic drink in the U.S. has 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. That’s equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. So be mindful about the volume of each alcoholic drink you consume.

If you are a heavy drinker or binge drinker, it is not too late to get help. Make an appointment with your doctor for support and resources and talk to a trusted family member or friend for accountability as you begin your journey toward better health. You can also visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website for information about alcohol support groups.

Colonoscopy Helps Prevent Colon Cancer

Currently, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, but it is preventable with routine colonoscopies.

A colonoscopy is the best screening method for colon cancer because it allows a gastroenterologist to view the entire colon with a lighted scope called a colonoscope. If any polyps are found during the procedure, the doctor will remove them, so they do not develop into cancer.

It’s estimated that between 60 to 90 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone over 50 chose to have a colonoscopy, but studies show that 1 in 3 adults are not current on their screenings.

Click here to be connected with a board-certified gastroenterologist in your area. You don’t need to go to a hospital to have your procedure, either. You can schedule your colonoscopy at one of our free-standing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). An ASC has many benefits like a smaller environment, shorter wait times, hassle-free parking, personal service and, best of all, lower cost to you.

You may be eligible for a free screening colonoscopy. Take our Free Colonoscopy Quiz and find out more details.

Get Movin’! Run a 5K for Colon Cancer Awareness

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Colorectal cancer touches the lives of countless people each year. Maybe you’ve been personally affected, or perhaps you have a family member or friend with the disease.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time to get movin’ than to join a 5K charity race. All across the U.S. you will find races hosted by national and local charities with the aim to support colon cancer patients and survivors, raise funds for screening, research, and awareness projects, and provide funds to fight and treat the disease. Your participation not only benefits these charitable organizations, but it will also enhance your own physical fitness.

Running and walking both offer significant health benefits from the physical to the mental and emotional. Both forms of exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and release endorphins to improve mood and alleviate stress. While running does burn more calories and work the cardiovascular system more than walking, both strengthen the body and improve overall health. A win-win!

Whether you choose to walk or run, here are some tips to finding and getting involved in a 5K race near you.

Find a 5K race. National and local charities host annual 5K runs. Do a quick Google search or use Active.com, and type in “5K” and “colon cancer” in the search engine to find a race near you. Here are a few of the more popular 5K races in the U.S.:

Get a partner or organize a team. Find like-minded individuals to commit to running or walking with you and sign up.

Start training. If you want to run but have never run a 5K before, I highly recommend the Couch to 5K running program. You run 3 days a week for 20-30 minutes, and in 9 weeks, you’re ready to run 3.1 miles at a decent pace. If you plan to walk, you will still want to be physically fit to walk the entire distance. Set aside time each week to exercise, so you are able to finish the race.

Get out there on race day, and do your best!

Even if you don’t win first place, your participation will impact lives, including your own. Remember the real reason why you’re running: to give back to your community and help spread awareness about colorectal cancer. Get your body movin’ and find a 5K race today!