There are many risk factors related to colorectal cancer. Some, like genetic predisposition, are outside of your control, but one risk factor you can control is a high-fat diet. The connection between a high-fat diet and colorectal cancer can’t be denied.

The Facts

The amount of fat in your diet is directly related to your risk of getting colon or rectal cancer. If you have a high-fat, low-fiber diet, your chances of getting colorectal cancer are significantly higher than someone with a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Research shows that 80% of the time a poor diet is connected to a colon or rectal cancer. A high-fat diet also includes a lot of trans and saturated fats. These fats are found in foods such as red meats, cookies, chips, doughnuts, and fried foods. Fried foods, although pleasing for your taste buds, are not friendly to the rest of your body. If your cholesterol is high and your doctor tells you about it at every appointment, you might have a diet with too many fats.

What You Can Change

When you make healthy changes to your diet, your risk of colon cancer goes down. Even if you’ve had a high-fat diet in the past, you can make simple changes to improve your health. By consuming less fast food and more fruits, vegetables, and a moderate amount of
low-fat, animal based food (like fish and poultry), you will reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Exercise, alongside those diet changes, will lower your risk even further. Lessening junk food consumption and increasing vegetable intake will decrease your chances of developing colon or rectal cancer. There’s a reason your mother told you to eat your vegetables!

Here at Asheville Gastro, we care about your health. If you are worried about your high-fat consumption, schedule an appointment with us today. We want to help you stay healthy and live a full, happy life.