Four simple and effective ways to reduce colorectal cancer risk
These basic changes to your diet and lifestyle can increase your body’s defences against one of Hong Kong’s most common and deadly cancers
Good news: preventing colorectal cancer – one of the most common and deadly cancers in Hong Kong – is simpler than you might think. Bad news: the number of cases of colorectal cancer is on the rise.
Cases have been increasing over the past three decades, according to the Department of Health, to overtake lung cancer and became the most common cancer in Hong Kong in 2011, 2013 and 2014. In 2014, there were 4,979 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases, accounting for 16.8 per cent of all new cancer cases.
Colorectal cancer was the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong in 2015, which resulted in a total of 2,073 registered deaths and accounted for 14.5 per cent of all cancer deaths.
Colorectal cancer does not discriminate, and even seemingly healthy people can develop the disease. Major risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, frequent and high consumption of red and processed meat, low intake of dietary fibre, alcohol use, and smoking. Making minor changes in your diet and daily life and implementing a healthy lifestyle can prevent or reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
1. Limit consumption of red and processed meats