Colon cancer prevention

In Spain, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men, behind lung and prostate cancer, and the second most common in women, behind breast cancer. Moreover, most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 65 and 75. Furthermore, more than 30,000 people a year are diagnosed with this disease in Spain. They also appear at younger ages, but are usually caused by a genetic predisposition. However, olive oil and other foods can help prevent it.

Summary: One of the most common cancers is colon cancer. A good diet and olive oil are a factor in delaying this disease. You can also find fantastic olive oils from Jaén and Córdoba in our shop in Las Rozas de Madrid.

Related articles: How to prevent cancer

1. The colon, a part of the large intestine

The colon, a portion of the large intestine located in the abdomen. It begins at the end of the cecum (the junction of the small and large intestines) and ends at the rectum (anal canal). The function of the large intestine is to continue to absorb the last of the nutrients, salts and water from what is left of the food. It then directs its waste to the anal canal for expulsion.

The colon can be divided into four parts:

• The first section of the colon, called the ascending colon, is located in the lower right side of the abdomen and ascends until it reaches the liver area.
• The second section, the transverse colon, runs across the abdomen and extends from the right side to the left side in the upper abdomen.
• The third section, the ascending colon, is the colon that runs down the left side of the abdomen.
• The fourth and final section is known as the sigmoid colon, which leads into the rectum.

Most colon cancers arise from a mucosal polyp, which at a certain point, one of its cells becomes cancerous and forms a malignant tumour.

2. Foods that prevent colon cancer

The exact cause of most colon cancers is not currently known, but it is possible to prevent many of them by regular screening for polyps. In addition to this increased control, the Spanish Association Against Cancer recommends the following guidelines to avoid the appearance of this type of cancer:

• Healthy eating: avoid and restrict as much as possible the consumption of red meat, eat foods rich in fibre and consume olive oil.
• Physical exercise
• Control your weight, do not be overweight or obese.
• Do not consume tobacco or alcohol

Risk factors include: age, personal history of polyps (the appearance of polyps increases the risk of suffering from the disease), having previously suffered from colon cancer and close family cases.

Photo 1: We must take frequent physical exercise

3. Olive oil, a superb food against colon cancer

According to new research, extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols with a chemical structure similar to oestrogens in the human body (mainly female sex hormones) and these may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Other research is studying how oleic acid, the major component of extra virgin olive oil, when combined with chemotherapy, enhances the self-destruction of cancer cells and cells resistant to such therapies.

4. Symptoms of colon cancer

Symptoms that may indicate that you have this disease are as follows:

• Blood in the stool
• Change in the rhythm of bowel movements: diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain
• Extreme tiredness or unexplained weight loss.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is urgent that you see your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

For more information, please visit the Medlineplus website.