Simple Tips To Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Yes, you can ward off colorectal cancer. Just adopt these simple habits.

- Dawn Chen

Fact: In Singapore, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and the most prevalent type among men. According to the Health Promotion Board, most cases of colorectal cancer start as little growths called polyps that attach to the wall of one’s colon. Over time, these polyps can turn cancerous. While there’s no sure-fire way to prevent the big C, tweaking your lifestyle can reduce your chances of getting the dreaded disease. Dr Dennis Koh, consultant surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, and Dr Dean Koh, colorectal surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, share four easy changes you can make.

Skip processed meat

When choosing what to have for dinner, you might be better off with chicken breasts compared to a steak or sausages. There have been many epidemiological studies that associate a greater intake of red or processed meat with an increase in colorectal cancer.