Diet in Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is cancer that affects the rectum or the large intestine. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for developing colon cancer include age (individuals older than 50), preexisting intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrone (IBS), colitis or Crohn's, and a diet low in fiber and high in fat. While there is little you can do about the first two risk factors, it is never too late to change your diet. Even if you have already developed colon cancer, a healthy diet can help to improve your odds of survival.

Diet Advice

• According to information from the American Cancer Society, high-fiber diets relatively devoid of red meat consumption (and saturated fats) are the key to avoiding or besting a number of different cancers, colon cancer being foremost among them. Thus, you should stick to a diet that consists mainly of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains of rye, wheat, oats and barley, while minimizing your consumption of red meats and unhealthy saturated fats. Choose a variety of different fruits and vegetables as opposed to always eating the same items to diversify your overall intake of vitamins and nutrients. According to information from the American Institute for Cancer Research, around two-thirds of your plate at every meal should contain grains, fruits, vegetables or beans. The remaining third should contain a source of lean protein, such as seafood or chicken and a source of healthy unsaturated fat (nuts, seeds, or oils).

Colon Cancer Fighting Foods

• According to information from the AICR, certain food types that act as anti-cancer foods help to ward off colon cancer. These include beans (due to their high fiber content), all types of berries (again, due to fiber), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, among others), all leafy green veggies like spinach and lettuce, green tea and all types of fibrous whole grains. Including these foods in your colon cancer diet can help to avoid or slow the spread of existing colon cancers, helping your body to best what ails it.