The McCreary County Record
Cases of colon cancer are on the rise among younger people, with rates of the disease steadily increasing since the 1990s. In a recent report, colon cancer has now become the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 in the United States, and the second deadliest cancer for women in the same age group.
According to Dr. Michael Shusterman, a gastrointestinal oncologist, certain lifestyle factors such as obesity, type two diabetes, and smoking are associated with a higher risk of developing colon cancer. To combat this alarming trend, Dr. Shusterman recommends making simple but significant lifestyle changes.
Dr. Shusterman advocates for quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and adding more fiber to one’s diet while cutting back on red meat and ultra-processed foods. In fact, he has made three key changes to his own life to help prevent colon cancer.
Firstly, he has reduced his red meat intake, only consuming it on special occasions and opting for chicken or fish instead. Secondly, Dr. Shusterman has incorporated tree nuts into his diet, as some evidence suggests that they may lower the risk of colon cancer. Lastly, he takes vitamin D supplements daily, as studies indicate they may potentially lower the risk of developing colon cancer.
While making these lifestyle changes can be challenging, Dr. Shusterman stresses the importance of finding small adjustments that can easily be incorporated into one’s daily routine. He believes that despite mixed evidence on the effectiveness of these changes in preventing colon cancer, the effort is worth it for overall health and well-being.
As cases of colon cancer continue to rise among younger individuals, it is crucial to take proactive steps to reduce one’s risk. By following Dr. Shusterman’s advice and adopting healthier lifestyle choices, individuals can help protect themselves against this deadly disease.
