According to The National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.

Your colon is a major part of your digestive system that helps remove waste and sends nutrients from food into your body. The colon can develop a disease called colorectal cancer. Fortunately there are ways you can prevent colorectal cancer through things like exercise and early screening.

Get moving

1. According to a study of physical activity and colorectal cancer, it is estimated that 12-14% of colon cancer could be attributed to lack of frequent vigorous physical activity.

2. Exercising three times per week helps to raise your heart rate to burn fat, increase circulation and boost your immune system. This belly fat could be a factor in diabetes, a disease strongly associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

3. Exercising 20 minutes a day can mean burning up to 1,500 calories a week. This can spur up to five to ten percent loss of belly fat. Increasing daily exercise to 60 minutes with an average weekly burn of 4,000 calories can result in a reduction of belly fat of up to thirty percent.

Get screened

Another important way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened. The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends being screened starting at age 50. However, if there is colorectal cancer in your family it may be recommended to get tested before 50. Colorectal cancer screening is usually done with a colonoscopy.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent colorectal cancer or call (404) 351-7900 for an appointment.