Nearly Half of Colon Cancers Preventable

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is an organization dedicated to supporting research on cancer and nutrition, as well as educating people on how to eat more healthfully for cancer prevention. In their newly released comprehensive report on cancer prevention policy, they note that about 45% of all colon cancers are preventable.

That is nothing short of impressive! On a personal level, it means that by taking actions that are 100% within our own control, we can greatly reduce our own risk of colon cancer. On a community and society level, it means that if everyone practiced healthy behaviors in terms of eating a good diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and exercising regularly, nearly one-half of all colon cancers would never occur! AICR also notes that for many people, making healthy choices can be very difficult, which is why they take the next step with their policy report: detailing the opportunities that we all have, from individuals to communities and government to industry, to help prevent colon cancer.

What Steps Count?

The keys to reducing colon cancer include a healthy diet, a healthy body weight, and regular exercise. So what is a healthy diet, how much exercise, and how to know a healthy body weight when you see one? Generally speaking, a healthy diet is one that contains an abundance of vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and legumes (beans) and that contains less red meat and processed food than most people currently eat.

For exercise, it's the steps you take that indeed count! The biggest benefit from exercise comes for people who go from doing very little or nothing, say, your average couch potato, to doing at least a little activity every day. You don't need to run a marathon or become a tri-athlete to reduce colon cancer risk. You simply need to move more. Taking a half hour walk daily is a good start. And if you've never exercised, ask your doctor if it's OK to start an exercise program.

For body weight, a measure known as body mass index, or BMI, is a good way to tell if you're at a healthy weight. You can calculate your BMI using a body mass index calculator. Plus, you can read more about all three of these colon cancer prevention topics - healthy diet, regular exercise, and healthy body weight - right here on About.com. Happy reading!