March is Colon Cancer Awareness month, and each year, 140,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease.
Roper St. Francis’ Colorectal Cancer program is internationally recognized for robotic colorectal surgery. In fact, we’re a teaching center for this advanced colon cancer fighting technology. Our program is also one of five centers in the world to participate in a groundbreaking clinical trial that is expected to improve colorectal surgery outcomes even more.
At Roper St. Francis, we’re here to help. Here are five things you can do right now to help lower your risk of colon cancer.
- Get screened. A colonoscopy or at-home stool test is the best way to get the information you need about your colon health. If you’re over 50 and haven’t yet been screened, now’s the time!
- Know your family history. If members of your immediate family have had colon cancer (or other cancers), you’re at risk. Be proactive – ask your family members. Information is power.
- Exercise daily. Something as simple as a 20-minute walk can dramatically lower your risk, so don’t wait, get moving!
- Eat a healthy diet. It’s no surprise that a diet rich in lean proteins and vegetables can help lower your risk. Start with small changes – from processed foods to whole foods – and see how tasty healthy eating can be.
- Don’t smoke. Yes, smoking can also increase your risk of colon cancer, among many other cancers. If you’ve been thinking about quitting, take the next step. This is your year!