People who smoke cigarettes, exercise less, and follow an unhealthy diet may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer, says a study. The findings suggest that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of the disease.
The results based on a colon cancer risk assessment survey, which has had more than 27,000 responses from around the world, highlighted the modifiable risk factors, such as diet and lifestyle behaviours, reported by patients without a personal history of colorectal cancer and polyps.
The research team also found that less than 10 per cent of all respondents stated they ate five or more servings of fruit, vegetables and grains per day, and only about 25 per cent undertook at least 30 minutes of exercise four times per week.
“Colon cancer is a preventable disease. These results emphasise the known modifiable factors that can alter the risk,” said Carol Burke, Gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic.