The following content is created in consultation with Cooper University Health Care. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Philadelphia's editorial staff. To learn more about Cooper University Health Care, visit cooperhealth.org.
Every year, 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer.
Grim statistics, but did you know that 75 percent of these cases could be avoided if Americans simply adopted healthier lifestyle habits?
That's why the experts at Cooper University Health Care are hosting Colon Cancer: Prevention and Detection Free Webinar at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Lead by Dr. Christopher Deitch--an attending physician at the Cooper Digestive Health Institute and the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper--the webinar will focus on colon cancer prevention and wellness discussion, outlining steps you can take to significantly lower your risk of diagnosis. The webinar will also cover what happens if a patient is found to have cancer and the next steps.
But why wait to start living healthier and decreasing your risk for getting colon cancer? Get a head start by incorporating these five healthy habits into your life.
Healthy Diet
Obesity is one of the leading causes of cancer. Maintain a healthy weight by reducing your caloric intake and focusing on healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, lean meats and the good fats found in avocados, almonds and olive oil.
Keep Up The Cardio
In addition to diet, one of the key components to weight loss and thus reducing your colon cancer risk is by incorporating moderate cardio activity into your day-to-day routine. Aim for 30 minutes or more of cycling, running, hiking, dancing or even brisk walking.
Stop Smoking
This one is a no brainer. We all know that smoking is directly linked to a host of health problems, including colon cancer. By quitting now you can greatly reduce your risk of colon cancer and other health-related issues. Consult your doctor or visit smokefree.gov to get started.
Cut Down on Red Meat
We all love a good burger, but red meat can lead to colon cancer. Even worse for you? Processed meats like bacon and bologna. Limit yourself to no more than three servings a week, replace the rest with lean meats and veggies, and you'll reap the benefits.
Limit Drinking
While moderate drinking can benefit heart health, it has an adverse effect when it comes to colon cancer. Don't think you need to cut out imbibing entirely, but try to keep it on the light side, with no more than two drinks per night for men and no more than one for women.
For more tips and useful insights on reducing your colon cancer risk, join Cooper University Health Care's Colon Cancer: Prevention and Detection Free Webinar on March 24. Register here.
