The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Health & Fitness

Related Photos

  • Takis H. Panagiotakis, M.D

    Panagiotakis_Panagiotis_H.jpg

November 30, 2012

Speaking of Health: Keeping your colon healthy & cancer-free

By Takis H. Panagiotakis, M.D Mayo Clinic Health System

— Colorectal cancer – cancer of the large intestine and rectum – is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer will account for more than 50,000 deaths this year. But there is reason for optimism as cancer screenings, lifestyle changes and added awareness can decrease your risk for colorectal cancer.

1. Screenings. Colorectal cancer often begins as small non-cancerous polyps that may become malignant over time. Colorectal cancer screenings can detect the polyps early and prevent the disease from developing.

Health care professionals recommend screenings for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50. If the disease runs in your family, a good rule of thumb is to start screenings ten years prior to your family member’s age of diagnosis. For example, if your aunt was diagnosed at 53 years old, begin your screenings at 43.

There are various screenings available, so please discuss the options with your health care provider.

2. Symptoms. The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

  • Blood in the stool
  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Unexplained weight loss

Although colorectal cancer may not produce symptoms, you should contact your health care provider if you have concerns or if you experience any of these symptoms.

3. Risks. The exact cause of colorectal cancer remains unknown, but there are proven risk factors for the disease. You can change your lifestyle to avoid certain risk factors, but there are some that you cannot prevent.

Unavoidable risk factors include:

  • Family history of colon polyps and cancer
  • Race (African-Americans are at greater risk)
  • Inflammatory intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Avoidable risk factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol in excess

4. Prevention. Colorectal cancer screenings are extremely important, but there are also simple lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk.

  • Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods are packed  with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help prevent cancer. Conversely, red meat and processed meats are linked to colorectal cancer, so limit your intake of these foods.
  • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, and men, no more than two.
  • Stop smoking. If you smoke, speak with your health care provider about ways to quit. There are many free smoking cessation resources available, such as smoking-cessation.org.
  • Stay active. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine.
  • Manage your weight. Obesity and excess belly fat are significant risk factors for colorectal cancer. The best way to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight is through proper diet and exercise.

Start decreasing your risk of colorectal cancer today. With a plan that includes timely screenings and healthy lifestyle choices, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, cancer-free colon.

Takis H. Panagiotakis, M.D., is a Mayo Clinic Health System gastroenterologist and hepatologist.

For more information, please go to www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

Health & Fitness coverage is supported by Mayo Clinic Health System, preserving the health and well-being of southern Minnesota communities.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Health & Fitness
  • mfp Speaking of Health mug Fun in the sun reminds of skin cancer and sun protection Summer will soon be here which means it’s time for some fun in the sun. While enjoying those summer activities under the sun’s warmth, it’s important to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun’s UV rays cause damage to the skin

    May 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • Why posture is important in your growing children Whenever I do an annual physical, I always spend some time looking at the child's back. Why? It's important to examine a child's spine to check for any irregularities or disease, such as scoliosis (curvature). I also check the skin around the child's

    May 19, 2013

  • Kids burned by instant soup cups

    On a typical June day last year, 3-year-old Jolan Jackson was sitting at the dining room table in his booster chair waiting for his meal.

    May 19, 2013

  • Many uses for epsom salt Epsom salt can be used to remove splinters. Soak the affected area in warm water and Epsom salt. The salt will help draw out the splinter so it's easier to remove. This is especially helpful for kids who get small splinters at the playground from mul

    May 19, 2013

  • Fjeldberg_Grace_A.jpg Speaking of Health: Digesting the details of celiac disease

    Health & Fitness coverage is supported by Mayo Clinic Health System, preserving the health and well-being of southern Minnesota communities.

    May 15, 2013 1 Photo

  • mfp-H&F NELSEN pic Inspiring story? There's an app for that MANKATO – Scott Nelsen recalls those days like a bad memory. Those days when he was gathered with his friends at the pub and the digital camera or smart phone comes out and someone wants to post a quick pic to Facebook. So people lean in to each othe

    May 12, 2013 1 Photo

  • Local cases part of hip device recall MANKATO — A local attorney says his firm has about 30 cases in the nationwide recall of the popular Stryker Rejuvenate hip replacement device. Jerry Maschka of the Maschka Riedy and Ries firm said they've been handling cases of people who have had pr

    May 12, 2013

  • Medical Edge: Regular exercise has powerful effect on brain health

    DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m 68 and understand that exercise is good for my health, but I recently read that exercise can also reduce the risk of developing dementia. Is that true, and if so, do researchers know why?

    May 11, 2013

  • Medical Edge: Forgetfulness not necessarily a sign of dementia

    DEAR MAYO CLINIC: As his caregiver, how can I tell if my father’s memory loss is just a natural part of aging, or if it’s the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease? At what point should I take him to be seen by a physician?

    April 27, 2013

  • file-school lunch 2.jpg Mankato school lunches a healthful work in progress

    At Mankato Area Public Schools, the idea of what lunch is remains a concept that is in flux.

    April 20, 2013 2 Photos