Top 5 Colorectal Cancer Surgeon’s Advice You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Did you know that colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer globally? If this alarms you, then it’s time to pay attention to a colorectal cancer surgeon’s advice. Several everyday habits can unknowingly increase your risk. In this article, we’ll share five things to avoid to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. 

Colorectal Cancer Surgeon’s Advice: 5 Things Not To-Do 

Everyone aims to have a healthy lifestyle, but even small habits can sometimes lead to serious health issues, like colorectal cancer. Listening to a colorectal cancer surgeon’s advice can help you understand how to avoid it. Here are some simple yet important tips that you should keep in mind:

Never Overlook Your Family History 

Family history is one of the main factors in your risk of developing colorectal cancer. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had colorectal cancer, your chances of getting it are much higher. Research shows that people with a family history of this disease are 1.87 times more likely to develop it. This is because inherited gene traits can increase vulnerability. 

One of the key colorectal cancer surgeon advice is to share your family’s medical history with your doctor. Doing so will allow for a personalized screening plan, including starting checkups early and scheduling them more frequently. 

Never Stay Seated for Too Long 

Sitting for long periods, including spending too much time on the toilet (more than 10 minutes), can also increase your risk of having colorectal cancer. In fact, studies have shown that people who sit more often have a 24% higher chance of colon cancer development compared to other people who tend to stay more active.  

You should start making small changes in your lifestyle if you stay seated a lot. It is better to take breaks to stretch, walk, or just stand up regularly. This will help you protect yourself from health risks like colorectal cancer. 

Never Ignore Rectal Bleeding 

Rectal bleeding is a warning sign that should never be ignored as it can sometimes indicate something serious like colorectal cancer. In a study involving 604 patients who reported rectal bleeding, 22 out of them (3.6%) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Blood mixed with stool was the major predictor of cancer. 

According to colorectal cancer surgeon advice, even if hemorrhoids cause bleeding, it doesn’t guarantee that cancer isn’t present. The study found that 2% of patients with bright red bleeding from hemorrhoids still had colorectal cancer. Any form of rectal bleeding, whether it’s on toilet paper or in the stool, should be taken very seriously.

Never Delay A Colorectal Cancer Screening 

Getting screened for colorectal cancer is one of the easiest ways to catch the disease early, and treatment is also quite successful. Unfortunately, many people put off these screenings, which causes potential problems to go unnoticed. Following the colorectal cancer surgeon’s advice, screenings are recommended starting at the age of 45 or earlier if you have a family history. 

Delaying a screening could mean missing early signs, like polyps, that might develop into cancer if left untreated. Taking the time for a screening will save you from facing serious health challenges later on. 

Never Ignore Changes in Bowel Movements 

Sometimes, your body will give early warning signs of colorectal cancer, and changes in bowel movements are one of them. Continuous diarrhea, constipation, and shifts in stool shape might be signaling severe health issues. Most people dismiss such concerns as minor matters, assuming it is temporary. However, these issues, if left unchecked, can later on cause cancer as they are all symptoms of the disease. 

While it may feel embarrassing and awkward to talk about, it’s important to take your concerns to a healthcare professional and get them addressed as soon as possible. A colorectal cancer surgeon’s advice can guide you on whether you need further tests or any treatment to avoid any risk of cancer. 

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the habits to avoid to lower your risk of colorectal cancer, you should slowly make changes to your lifestyle. By following a colorectal cancer surgeon’s advice, you will not only protect your gut health but also experience massive improvements in your overall well-being.