Beating Colon Cancer

I've received some sad news tonight: someone in David's family in New York was just diagnosed with colon cancer. This news definitely takes us by shock. She went to the doctor after some pains and this was the diagnosis. The last doctor said there is no treatment and she only has a limited time. So she's getting a second opinion tomorrow.

The whole thing is terrible. But since we can't dwell on the problem I started to think of solutions- and ways to prevent anyone else getting the same news.

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With 655,000 deaths worldwide per year, colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. source

A recent report claims colon cancer is 24% less common among physically active people.

A 2004 MSNBC article claims colon cancer is preventable.

It is estimated that up to 70 percent of colon cancers could be prevented with only moderate changes in diet and lifestyle.

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Insulin: The new IT issue in colon cancer
One prime suspect now is insulin resistance.Insulin resistance could explain why inactive and overweight people, especially with excess weight around the waist, are more likely to develop colon cancer.

Diet: Meat
Frequent consumption of red meat or processed meat is a risk in many studies. Processed meat contains substances that can develop into carcinogenic compounds. Fatty red meat is high in saturated fat, which is the most damaging type of fat.

Diet: Calcium
Consuming enough calcium is the latest strategy to lower colon cancer risk. Calcium might be especially important for those with a high-fat diet. By binding fatty acids and bile acids – both of which promote cancer – in our digestive tract, calcium may protect the colon.

Diet: Fiber
For a long time, fiber has been considered a vital colon cancer fighter. It was consistently significant in laboratory experiments and high in the diets of populations with low colon cancer risk. But now large studies that followed people for years cast doubt on this link.

Exercise
Although physical activity does not change colon cancer risk in all studies, it is a key part of any risk reduction plan. The latest National Cancer Institute (NCI) review of steps to prevent colon cancer reports that activity lowers risk 40 to 50 percent on average.

Activity’s effectiveness might be related to its tendency to prevent weight gain, or directly affect insulin levels. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends an hour of moderate activity daily.

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When we're young and healthy it is really easy to only think of exercise and diet in terms of appearance. But we have spouses and families and friends that will count on us. We've got to wake up and see that oatmeal, brussel sprouts, bananas and spinach are what can keep us healthy and vibrant. Don't take your bites for granted- every bite and every step is an opportunity.

Do you have any experience with colon cancer or other cancers? How have your experiences affected your diet/lifestyle, if at all?

p.s.- Please say a prayer for David's aunt. her family needs her for a long time to come!