Stanford gastroenterologist says ‘10 gram of fibre in your diet lowers colon cancer risk by 10%’; 4 ways to prevent it
In an Instagram post shared on August 15, Dr Wendi, a Stanford gastroenterologist, stressed that ‘you are way too hot to let colorectal (colon) cancer be the reason that you go.’ The video highlights how colorectal cancer is now the number two cancer killer of women and the number one for men. Therefore, it is important to know ways to prevent it. Let’s find out what the gastroenterologist shared.
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When should you get an immediate colonoscopy?
As someone whose job it is to diagnose and prevent colorectal cancer, Dr Wendi listed everything one needs to know about either preventing colorectal cancer or at least catching it early while it’s still curable. She mentioned a few warning signs one should look out for and get an immediate colonoscopy. The symptoms are:
- Blood in your stool
- Pencil-thin stools, or
- Iron deficiency anaemia
4 ways to prevent colorectal/colon cancer
She also mentioned 3 tips to prevent it:
1. Eat your fibre
According to the gastroenterologist, studies have shown that for every 10 grams of fibre you add to your diet, you decrease your risk of colon cancer by about 10 percent.
2. Avoid processed red meats
Warning against regular consumption of red meat, Dr Wendi said, “I know they taste really good; I love bacon, but I try to eat it only once in a while because it has a strong association with colon cancer.”
3. Avoid alcohol
According to the gastroenterologist, just as one should avoid red meat, the same goes for alcohol. She explained, “Alcohol is not just bad for your liver; its use is associated with the development of lots of different cancers, including colon cancer.”
4. Family history
Finally, the gastroenterologist stressed the importance of knowing your family history, not just of cancer but also high-risk polyps, because you might be able to get earlier screening colonoscopies.
‘Don’t let somebody else tell you you’re too young to get cancer…’
While the above-mentioned symptoms should push you to see your doctor, the gastroenterologist warned that if you’re not having any symptoms, get a colonoscopy as soon as you’re of screening age. She added, “Don’t let somebody else tell you you’re too young to get cancer.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
