There has been a significant rise in the number of young people getting diagnosed with colon or colorectal cancer across the world. According to studies and experts, most youngsters – including Gen Z are susceptible to the cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

Experts say obesity and alcohol consumption are the main reasons why this cancer has become the primary cause of the rising death toll among young adults.

According to experts, colorectal cancer starts in your colon or large intestines - the long tube that helps carry digested food to your rectum and out of your body. It develops from certain polyps or growths in the inner lining of your colon. Doctors say it takes around ten years for cancer to form in a colon polyp. If left undetected or untreated, the cancer works its way through a layer of tissue, muscle, and the outer layer of your colon. Colon cancer also spreads to other parts of your body through your lymph nodes or your blood vessels.

There are various screening tests that detect precancerous polyps before they can become cancerous tumours. Doctors say colon cancer that is not detected or treated can spread to other areas of your body.

Ways to prevent colon cancer through diet

According to doctors, while you may not be able to fully prevent colon cancer, you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by managing risk factors, which includes practicing a healthy diet. Smart food choices can significantly reduce the risk – which includes a diet that is high in fibre-rich foods like whole fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Eating a plant-based diet with lots of fibre and other nutrients can help reduce the risk.

Experts also recommend adding fruits and vegetables to your diet and cutting back on red meat processed foods, and high-fat and high-calorie foods. Drinking coffee may lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

To increase your dietary fibre intake, you must eat:

• Whole wheat bread or brown rice
• Beans and legumes like soybeans, lentils, peas, pinto beans, kidney beans
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Eggplants
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Berries
• Melon
• Apples
• Pears
• Oranges
• Bananas

According to doctors, you must also add protein-rich foods like fish and poultry and choose low-fat dairy products when possible. Eating turkey, nuts, nut butter, and low-fat dairy products is also highly recommended.

Another way to mitigate the risk of colorectal cancer includes drinking lots of water and staying hydrated as it ensures you are getting enough fluids daily. However, a majority should come from non-caffeinated beverages.

Other nutrients include foods that are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium like oranges, fish, cereals, poultry, almonds, mangos, safflower oils, rice, wheat, and Brazil nuts are good sources of these nutrients.

According to studies, eating mushrooms regularly can decrease the risk of colon cancer.

Statistics say overall, 65 per cent of people with colorectal cancer were alive five years after diagnosis. Colorectal cancer survival rates vary based on the cancer stage at diagnosis. For example, 73 per cent of those with colorectal cancer that has spread to nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes were alive five years after diagnosis.

A survival rate is an estimate based on outcomes - how long people lived after treatment for a specific type of cancer. In this case, survival rates are based on the experiences of large groups of people who have colorectal cancer, and not just colon cancer. In addition, many things affect colon cancer survival rates. If

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