A lot is written and spoken about breast cancer in India , less about colon cancer, and rightly so as the incidence of colon cancer in much less compared to that of breast cancer. However, it not less of a killer and the occurrence is increasing in our country especially in the big cities.

But fortunately there are certain measures that can be taken to prevent it.

Most studies have found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Having more belly fat (that is, a larger waistline) has also been linked to colorectal cancer.

The World Health Organization has determined that dietary factors account for at least 20 percent in developing countries. Cancer researchers have found that people who avoided meat were much less likely to develop the disease. There are several reasons for this. First, meat is devoid of fiber and other nutrients that have a protective effect. Meat also contains animal protein, saturated fat, and, in some cases, carcinogenic compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) formed during the processing or cooking of meat. HCAs, formed as meat is cooked at high temperatures, and PAHs, formed during the burning of organic substances, are believed to increase cancer risk.Overall, diets that are high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (and low in red and processed meats) have been linked with lower colorectal cancer risk. There is a lower risk of colorectal cancer and polyps with increasing levels of physical activity. Moderate activity on a regular basis lowers the risk, but vigorous activity may have an even greater benefit.

High fiber intake, especially from whole grains, may lower colorectal cancer risk. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases the risk of this cancer.

Lifestyle Recommendation for prevention of colorectal cancer

• 30 minutes of physical activity a day (at least 5 days a week)
• Less consumption of alcohol
• No smoking
• Waist size less than 88 cm for women and 102 cm for men
• Healthy diet including around 600 g fruit and vegetables a day, under 500 g of red and processed meat a week, under 30% total energy from fat and 3 g dietary fibre