Dr. Michael Shusterman, a gastrointestinal oncologist at New York University, has three recommendations for avoiding colon cancer: reducing red meat consumption, increasing nut intake, and taking vitamin D supplements. The American Cancer Society reports that the incidence of bowel cancer in young people has significantly increased since the 1990s, making it a leading cause of cancer death among American men under 50 and the second deadliest for women in the same age group. While the exact reasons for this increase are unclear, making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
Shusterman advises his patients to quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, exercise regularly, eat more fiber, decrease red meat consumption, and avoid processed foods. He emphasizes that small changes over time can be easier than trying to overhaul one’s lifestyle all at once. Shusterman shares three simple steps he took to prevent colon cancer.
Firstly, he reduced his intake of red meat such as beef, liver, pork and deli meats as it is strongly associated with bowel cancer. High-temperature cooking methods like barbecuing can also increase cancer risk. Shusterman recommends replacing red meat with healthier options like chicken or fish and making it a snack rather than a main dish.
Secondly, Shusterman added more nuts such as cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts and hazelnuts to his diet as they may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Despite further research being needed to confirm these findings, the positive associations were enough for him to include nuts in his meals.
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