It is never too early to consider your risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. Making small lifestyle adjustments and knowing your family history can help you reduce your risks and catch problems in the early stages.

Understand The Warning Signs

No matter your age, you should pay attention to your bowel habits so you can identify abnormalities. Any bowel abnormalities should be addressed with your primary care doctor, because even if they are not malignant conditions, they could be serious gastrointestinal problems. Some concerns are bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stools. Another warning sign can be a change in the diameter of your stool. If there is a constriction in your intestines or partial blockage, your stool may become significantly narrower to pass through successfully. Your doctor will likely refer you for a colonoscopy to determine if there are any obvious problems contributing to your symptoms.

Make Lifestyle Changes

The incidence of colorectal cancer is often attributed to a diet that is high in fat and processed foods, while low in fiber. Similar dietary factors also contribute to problems with constipation, which can drastically decrease your bowel transit time and allow waste products to stay in your intestines longer, possibly increasing your cancer risk. If focusing on a high-fiber, low-fat diet is not enough, consider adding fiber supplements. Unflavored, dissolvable fiber is the easiest to incorporate. Start slowly by adding less fiber supplement than recommended to foods or beverages.

You need to determine how your body will react to the increased fiber. For some people, the addition of fiber can contribute to unpredictable bowel movements or increased constipation. Make sure you are always drinking plenty of caffeine-free beverages throughout the day so the fiber has water to absorb. You may not consider the impact of exercise on your intestines, but starting an exercise program can help with gut motility. If you are frequently plagued by constipation, you may notice regular exercise encourages more normal bowel movements. The more you can increase your bowel motility, the less stool will sit in the large intestines and dry out, causing constipation.

Consider Medical Interventions

It is important to speak with your doctor about your colorectal cancer risk and other changes you can make, especially if you have a history of bowel problems. For people with chronic constipation, it may be time to try medications designed to improve bowel motility. You may want to ask your doctor if taking stool softeners regularly is a good idea. This is distinctly different from laxatives or laxative and stool softener combinations. Any medication designed to stimulate a bowel movement must not be taken regularly because it may become difficult to have a bowel movement on your own. Stool softeners do not have stimulants and are simply designed to keep your stools softer and easier to pass.

Colorectal cancer is a serious concern. Paying attention to your bowel habits and making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk factors or possibly help you catch early-stage cancer when it is easier to treat. For more information, contact local professionals like Lincoln Surgical Group PC.