I’m a colon cancer doctor…make these your New Year’s resolutions to avoid becoming victim of killer disease

A leading colon cancer doctor has revealed a handful of New Year’s resolutions you can embrace to reduce your risk of contracting the deadly disease.

Dr. Steven Lee-Kong, chief of colorectal surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, told DailyMail.com that the first thing he would do would be to change or limit the use of certain cooking oils by 2025.

He explains: ‘Some studies – two of which have recently been published – suggest that excessive consumption of seed oils, including corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and cottonseed oil, which are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, may promote inflammation. and possibly contribute to the development of colon cancer.

‘The concern is mainly about oxidized forms of these oils, which are formed during high-temperature cooking.’

Dr. Lee-Kong suggests sticking with olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, as studies suggest these are “high in monounsaturated fats and high in antioxidants, along with anti-inflammatory compounds, which may have a protective effect against colon cancer.”

However, he notes that “more research is needed to confirm all these findings.”

But the expert said protecting yourself from colon cancer doesn’t have to be just about restriction.

His next resolution is to go on vacation more often. A vacation has the dual benefit of helping you de-stress while also exposing you to more immune-boosting vitamin D from the sun (at least if you’re going somewhere warm!)

‘Some research suggests a link between Vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Lee-Kong.

Harvard Medical School says that “animal studies have shown that vitamin D appears to change the way tumors behave, affecting the biology of their cells and making them less aggressive or likely to spread.”

To check if your vitamin D levels are healthy, Dr. Lee-Kong to make a doctor’s appointment for a blood test.

Your levels can then be replenished as needed, or a holiday may be just what the doctor ordered, as the sun is our best natural source of vitamin D.

Dr. However, Lee-Kong warns to “pay attention to sun safety” while soaking up the sun’s rays.

A vacation can also be a good way to reduce your stress levels.

Chronic stress, Dr. Lee-Kong points out, can “negatively impact the immune system and gut health.”

Researchers from China’s Sichuan University found that frequent stress causes some healthy bacteria living in the intestines to die, making it easier for cancer to invade.

When these bacteria die, tumors grow faster, leading to more aggressive, fast-growing colorectal cancers.

To combat this series of events, a beach vacation can be a quick fix.

Otherwise, says Dr. Lee-Kong recommends ‘exploring stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga or spending time in nature by 2025’.

Exercise is another powerful tool that can reduce stress, and in turn, Dr. Lee-Kong encourages it to help keep your weight in check.

He emphasizes that “obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, postmenopausal breast, ovarian, thyroid, kidney, uterine and esophageal cancer.”

In the US, he says an estimated 5 percent of cancer cases in men and 10 percent of cancer cases in women are linked to overweight and obesity in humans.

With this in mind, he says New Year’s is a good time to “commit to losing weight if you’re overweight and getting active.”

r Lee-Kong says he should prioritize regular colon cancer screening in the new year.

Most people should start screening for colorectal cancer shortly after age 45 and continue to get screened at regular intervals afterward.

However, you may need to be tested earlier than age 45, or more often than other people, if you have a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease.

Dr. Lee-Kong says a colonoscopy is “the gold standard for detecting colon cancer at an early stage, saving lives.”

The cancer expert then suggests limiting your alcohol consumption to one drink or less per day.

He highlights how studies in recent years have shown that even moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

The NIH states that moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a 30 to 50 percent increased risk of breast cancer.

A study conducted in Korea also found that there was a 47 percent increased risk of colon cancer among moderate female drinkers, while there was a 26 percent increased risk among men who consumed the same amount.

On the topic of dietary changes, Dr Lee-Kong says eating fewer processed foods in the new year could be a good move.

He says: ‘I would definitely try to cut out processed meat such as bacon, salami, sausages, tinned meat or chicken nuggets.

“Numerous studies have shown that these foods can increase the risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers.”

A study published this spring by the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, in collaboration with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, found that people who ate red and processed meat had a 30 percent and 40 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, respectively.

In light of the findings, the US government has even proposed urging Americans to reduce red meat consumption and switch to plant-based proteins due to these health fears.