Colorectal cancer is a real threat to both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, one in 25 women get it and one in 23 men get it. There are things that you can do to improve your chances of not getting it. Here are three ways to boost your colorectal health:

1. Eat Veggies and Good Fats

People who eat high-fiber diets are less likely to develop the disease. Limit the amount of meat you eat, especially processed meats. Focus on consuming healthy fats like those found in olive oil, salmon, avocados, and nuts. Additionally, limiting low-processed fats found in fried food is a great step in improving your colorectal health.

2. Be Active

Regular exercise can encourage more consistent bowel movements. The increase in blood flow and circulation makes your GI system more effective overall. Studies have shown that exercise, especially in more rigorous forms, can greatly reduce the risk of developing some digestive disturbances.

3. Watch Your Weight

Being overweight can also be a risk factor. That's because the fat surrounds the organs. You not only can get colorectal cancer, but you could increase your chances of rectal cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and other ones. The best thing you can do is shed those pounds, especially if you're a postmenopausal woman. You can talk to your medical professional if you want to learn how to get rid of those pounds.

There are a few other things that you can do, like not drinking a lot of alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Both of them can affect your body in multiple ways, including getting various forms of cancer. There are way better habits out there.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is follow screening guidelines. It's recommended that you start getting colonoscopies at 50 years old. The polyps and abnormalities that lead to colon cancer can be removed to stop the development or spread of the disease, making colon cancer a highly treatable disease if found early on.

Are you worried that you might have colorectal cancer? Our staff is proud to serve the Greater Houston community by providing surgical services to those with general and colorectal surgery needs. Please contact Houston Community Surgical to find out more information.