A healthy lifestyle brings countless positive benefits. By the same token, making unhealthy choices opens one up to a multitude of diseases. Studies show that heart disease and colon cancer go hand in hand, as they share several common risk factors. Smoking, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol are just a few examples of precursors to heart disease and colon cancer.
Annie On On Chan of the University of Hong Kong conducted a study to show a relationship between patients with both colon cancer and heart disease. From a sample of patients, doctors discovered colon cancer in about four percent of patients with heart disease, as opposed to only one percent of patients without heart disease. Furthermore, suspicious polyps were more common in heart disease patients than in non-heart disease patients.
Having a combination of risk factors for colon cancer and heart disease definitely increases the chances of developing both illnesses. Multiple conditions such as increased blood sugar levels and high blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist and high cholesterol levels are especially dangerous and are collectively known as metabolic syndrome (Source: WebMD). Metabolic syndrome often leads to type II diabetes and heart disease. Because metabolic syndrome and heart disease are linked, colon cancer may also result.
Although other studies show that colon cancer and heart disease often run in families and are genetically linked, no one can deny their connection to lifestyle, eating habits and activity level. What can be done when one already has a family history of heart disease and colorectal cancer? Here are some ways to make healthy choices every day:
- Stay physically active for at least 30 minutes per day. Exercise maintains a healthy weight and balances hormone levels.
- Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. Alcohol can lead to abnormal cell changes in the body.
- Avoid processed meats and limit red meat to less than three times per week.
- Take a calcium and vitamin D supplement, which lower the risk of colon cancer.
- Get screened early and regularly if heart disease and/or colon cancer runs in your family.
Although family history cannot be altered, deliberate steps toward wellness can help reduce other risk factors for colon cancer and heart disease. Healthy lifestyle, regular doctor visits and early screenings are strong preventative steps to stamp out colon and heart disease (Source: Your Disease Risk).
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