[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/12\/Under-50_banner.png” alt=”Middle age woman smiling lifting weights” title_text=”Under 50_banner” admin_label=”Fullwidth Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_code raw_content_tablet=”<\/p>\n
Parents face ongoing challenges in raising healthy, well-nourished children in a world where sugary temptations lurk around every corner.<\/p>\n
” raw_content_phone=”” raw_content_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Text – Fullwidth Leader Text” module_id=”fullwidth-leader-text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”] Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps \u2013 small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Often, polyps are harmless and benign, but some can develop into cancer over many years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Identified risk factors include age, family history, diet, lifestyle, past inflammatory diseases (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn\u2019s disease), diabetes, obesity, and gut microbiome composition. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may not be apparent. Over time, and often before a diagnosis is made, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and iron-deficiency anemia can develop.<\/p>\n When colorectal cancer is detected early, an estimated 9 out of 10 people can be cured. Currently, regular screening tests include stool tests and colonoscopies. Guidelines for cancer screening have often indicated testing should start at 50, depending on individual risk. Not surprisingly, the rise in cases among young adults prompts a reassessment of this age, leading to recommendations for earlier screening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that screening for colorectal cancer begin at 45 for people who do not have signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer and continue until at least when they\u2019re 75. However, is 45 young enough? One study revealed that between 1999 and 2020, rates of colorectal cancer have risen among children, teenagers, and adults aged 20\u201339. As colorectal cancer increasingly affects younger individuals, time will tell whether experts will recommend lowering the screening age further. In addition, new blood-based screening tests could be vital in providing a cost-effective and convenient option for early detection and reduced mortality.<\/p>\n The American Cancer Society reports that more than half of all colorectal cancers are linked to modifiable risk factors. Both diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in preventing, lowering risk, and managing colorectal cancer, and we have significant control over these factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u25a0 Nutritional choices and wellness habits<\/strong><\/p>\n A healthy diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, fish, dietary fiber, and dairy, while low in red and processed meats and sugar, which can be beneficial. The Mediterranean diet aligns with these recommendations. It emphasizes foods such as extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, fish, grapes, and whole grains, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce risk. Smoking cessation, limiting alcohol use, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are other valuable steps.<\/p>\n \u25a0 Prevent nutrient deficiencies<\/strong><\/p>\n Studies have explored the link between vitamin D levels and the risk and survival rates of colorectal cancer. Research indicates colorectal cancer patients often have lower levels of vitamin D, and higher vitamin D concentrations are significantly associated with reduced colorectal cancer mortality. Among its many actions, vitamin D reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer cell proliferation, helping to explain its protective role in colorectal cancer. Higher calcium, folate, and vitamin C intake have also effectively reduced colorectal cancer risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u25a0 Powerful flaxseed<\/strong><\/p>\n Flaxseed is regarded as a nutraceutical and functional food, with research indicating its consumption may lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Flaxseed\u2019s ability to protect against colorectal cancer can be attributed to its rich source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and lignans, particularly secoisolariciresinol digluco-side (SDG). SDG and its metabolites have been shown to protect against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.<\/p>\n \u25a0 A healthy gut microbiota<\/strong><\/p>\n An imbalanced gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, has been implicated in various digestive concerns, including colorectal cancer. Dysbiosis can disrupt gut permeability, increase inflammation, impair signalling pathways, and impact immune responses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Interestingly, research is linking disruptions in the gut microbiome with colorectal cancer in young populations. Addressing dysbiosis, such as with probiotics, appears to be a promising strategy to support the prevention and management of colorectal cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s never too early to start disease prevention. Work with your health care team to schedule regular screenings, adjust your diet and lifestyle to support your gut health, and reduce your risks of serious illness.<\/strong><\/p>\n Say YES<\/strong><\/p>\n \u25a0 Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, fiber, organic or fermented dairy, extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, saffron, grapes, and whole grains<\/p>\n \u25a0 Regular physical activity<\/p>\n \u25a0 Maintaining a healthy weight<\/p>\n Say NO<\/strong><\/p>\n \u25a0 Processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugar<\/p>\n \u25a0 Smoking<\/p>\n \u25a0 Uncontrolled alcohol intake<\/p>\n Vitamin D: <\/strong>600\u2013800 IU daily or 15\u201320 mcg daily<\/p>\n Calcium: <\/strong>1000\u20131200 mg daily<\/p>\n Folate:<\/strong> 400 mcg daily<\/p>\n Vitamin C: <\/strong>90 mg daily for adult men and 75 mg daily for adult women<\/p>\n Ground flaxseed:<\/strong> 1\u20132 tablespoons daily into foods such as smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt<\/p>\n Prebiotic foods <\/strong>such as apples, onions, garlic, chickpeas, lentils<\/p>\n Fermented foods <\/strong>such as kefir, yogurt with live active cultures, pickled vegetables, kombucha<\/p>\n Consider a probiotic supplement.<\/strong><\/p>\n Stated dosages are general recommendations and can vary per individual. Consult with a health care practitioner for specific guidance on dosing.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Recent findings reveal shocking news about colorectal cancer rates. Over the past 30 years, colorectal cancer primarily affected individuals over 65; however, research now shows its incidence among young adults has been rising since the mid-1990s. As colorectal cancer risk increases by 1\u20132% annually in people under 55, how can we tackle this alarming rise […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":39941,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expert-advice","category-health","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nRecent findings reveal shocking news about colorectal cancer rates. Over the past 30 years, colorectal cancer primarily affected individuals over 65; however, research now shows its incidence among young adults has been rising since the mid-1990s. As colorectal cancer risk increases by 1\u20132% annually in people under 55, how can we tackle this alarming rise in cases?<\/strong><\/h6>\n
KNOW YOUR RISKS<\/h5>\n
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING<\/h5>\n
LOWERING YOUR RISK: WHAT CAN YOU DO?<\/h5>\n
Nutritional choices and wellness habits<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Prevent nutrient deficiencies<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Powerful flaxseed<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota<\/strong><\/h5>\n