Colon Cancer: Reduce Your Risk

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Here are three ways (in diet) to reduce your risk.

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

The exact cause of colorectal cancer remains uncertain, but some factors can increase risk. These include:

• diet
• tobacco smoking
• alcohol
• certain hereditary cancer syndromes
• a family history of colorectal cancer.

Today, we turn to 3 key things you can do that may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

1. Watch the sodium nitrite.

Think bacon, hot dogs, salami, and processed lunch meats. Sodium nitrite is a common preservative for these foods. When that substance hits our stomach acid during digestion, it may convert to nitrosamine, a known cancer-causing substance.

Nitrites and processed meats are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to lower intakes. For those who enjoy processed meats, you may want to look for nitrite-free products, such as those marketed by the Applegate Farms brand.

2. Eat more fruits and non-starchy vegetables