Cáncer de intestino is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer.

Formas de ayudar a prevenir el cáncer de colon

Más de la mitad de todos los casos de cáncer de colon son prevenibles y generalmente se deben al estilo de vida. Se cree que las causas prevenibles son la razón principal por la que ha habido un aumento en el número de personas de 25 a 49 años con cáncer de colon. Llevar un estilo de vida saludable es más importante que nunca.

Cancer Research UK dice que las principales causas del cáncer de colon y el porcentaje de personas afectadas son:

• 28% - comer muy poca fibra.

• 13% - comer carne procesada.

• 11% - tener sobrepeso u obesidad.

• 6% - consumo de alcohol.

• 7% - fumar.

• 5% - muy poca actividad física.

• 2% - radiación ionizante.

Pequeños cambios en tu dieta y estilo de vida pueden marcar una gran diferencia en tus probabilidades de desarrollar cáncer de colon. Y hacer esos cambios lo antes posible podría ser clave para reducir tu riesgo. Aquí tienes seis pasos que puedes intentar para hacer una verdadera diferencia.

Reduce la cantidad de carne roja y procesada que consumes

El amount of red meat and processed meat we eat has increased over the past 50 years and long-term consumption of red and particularly processed meat - such as hams, salami, and sausages - may increase your chance of bowel cancer.

You don't need to stop eating red meat completely - it's a good source of protein and iron and can help form a balanced diet - but do so in moderation.

Guidelines suggest we should eat no more than 70 grams a day of red or processed meat - this is around three slices of ham, two rashers of bacon, or one small beefburger. However, there has been much research which links the nitrates put into many processed meats to increasing chances of bowel cancer.

Consejo: Intenta cambiar la carne roja por pollo o pescado, ten algunos días sin carne cada semana y consume la menor cantidad posible de carne procesada.

Consume más fibra dietética

Fibra dietética - also called plant-based carbohydrates - provides a variety of health benefits, including helping your digestive system stay healthy. It may also help prevent you getting bowel cancer.

Ejercicio

Alongside changes in your diet, exercise can help reduce your chance of bowel cancer.

More than one half of all people in the UK are overweight or have obesity. Weight issues are a leading risk factor for many preventable cancers. According to Cancer Research UK, each year, 1,900 more people get bowel cancer from being overweight than from smoking.

You should try to do around 150 minutos de ejercicio a la semana. Activities such as a brisk walk can lower your chance of many cancers and also provide many other health benefits.

Consejo: Use our Calculadora de IMC to see if you are a healthy weight or not.

Bebe menos alcohol

Beber demasiado alcohol puede causar muchos tipos de cáncer digestivo y representa el 6% de las personas con cáncer de colon.

Reducing your alcohol intake is one of the most important steps you can take to help your long-term health. To reduce the health hazards associated with alcohol, you should drink no more than 14 unidades de alcohol a la semana.

Consejo: Keep track of your units by checking labels and setting a weekly limit.

Consume vitamina D y calcio

Whilst traditionally known for their beneficial effects on bone health, calcio y vitamina D may reduce your chance of bowel cancer.

You can boost your intake of vitamin D and calcium through your diet in foods such as fatty fish and a variety of dairy products.

In the UK during autumn and winter the government advises everyone to take a supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day to support general health and in particular bone and muscle health. This is because we cannot make vitamin D from sunlight at this time of year.

Consejo: Just 10 minutes of sun on your face and arms each day between 11 am and 3 pm gives you enough vitamin D.

Dejar de fumar

A common factor behind many cancers, cigarette smoking is also a long-established risk factor for bowel cancer.

With bowel cancer rates in young adults increasing, the risk is also higher in people who start smoking younger, contributing to this upward trend.

Consejo: Read our article on how to quit smoking for helpful ways to stop smoking.

Although changes in your lifestyle are important measures to prevent bowel cancer, one of the most effective steps you can take is to have a examen de detección de cáncer de colon.

Caught early, bowel cancer is a very treatable disease, leading to a 90 - 95% survival rate. If pre-malignant lesions are detected, cancer can even be prevented.

The NHS offers a home testing kit, which is a simple and effective method to detect possible indications of bowel cancer.

The age at which this is available to you depends on where you live:

• Inglaterra - people aged 50 to 74 years who are registered with a GP.

• Irlanda del Norte - people aged 60 to 74 years who are registered with a GP.

• Escocia - people aged 50 to 74 years with a CHI (Community Health Index) number.

• Gales - everyone aged 50 to 74 years who is registered with a GP and living in Wales.

Dr Monique van Leerdam is a professor in Gastroenterology, specialised in the prevention of hereditary tumours at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in Leiden, Netherlands.