Dr. Michael Shusterman from New York University has adopted three habits to reduce his risk of colon cancer: consuming less red meat, incorporating more nuts into his diet, and taking vitamin D supplements. The American Cancer Society notes that the incidence of colon cancer has increased significantly in young people since the 1990s, making it the leading cause of cancer death in American men under 50 and the second deadliest for women in the same age group.
While experts are still trying to understand why the number of cases is rising, certain lifestyle habits may help mitigate the risk of developing colon cancer. Gastrointestinal oncologist Michael Shusterman often advises his patients to quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, exercise moderately, eat more fiber, less red meat, and avoid processed foods. Making significant lifestyle changes can be challenging, so Shusterman advocates for smaller adjustments that can easily fit into one’s routine.
Shusterman shares three simple changes he made to prevent colon cancer. One of them is consuming less red meat, as a diet high in red meat is strongly linked to bowel cancer. Another change involves incorporating more nuts into his diet, as some evidence suggests that nuts can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Lastly, Shusterman takes a daily vitamin D supplement to lower his risk of the disease, as maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may decrease the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Shusterman’s approach to preventing colon cancer involves making manageable changes to his diet and lifestyle by eating less red meat, adding more nuts and taking vitamin D supplements. By adopting these habits individuals may reduce their risk of developing colon cancer and improve their overall health and well-being
