What can you do to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer?

Watch the replay for invaluable insights into optimizing your nutrition, understanding the critical role of primary care, the importance of colonoscopies, and how health equity impacts access to care. It’s a concise guide to taking proactive steps towards a healthier life. Catch up now to make informed decisions about your digestive health and cancer prevention. Looking for more? Find the guides and reference material here.

Your health journey is unique, and navigating it requires personalized care and guidance. We encourage you to engage in open dialogue with your preferred primary care provider about your health queries and concerns. Whether it’s understanding your hydration needs, exploring dietary choices, or addressing genetic risks, your PCP is your dedicated partner in health.

Understanding Your Hydration: Navigating Through Daily Water Intake

Does daily water consumption include tea and coffee?

  • Yes, tea and coffee counts toward daily water consumption.

What is the formula for calculating recommended daily amount of water?

  • To calculate your optimal daily water intake, a simple formula can guide you: divide your weight in pounds in half, which roughly gives to the number of ounces of water you should consume each day. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, it is recommended you drink 100 ounces or 12.5 glasses of water.

The Role of Plant-Based Alternatives in Your Diet

What about processed faux meats, such as plant-based?

  • Plant-based foods provide benefit for digestive health. Embracing a diet rich in minimally-processed, plant-based foods is a move towards better health and wellness.

Navigating Colon Health: Screening Options

For individuals at average risk, Cologuard testing presents an alternative to traditional FIT testing and fecal occult blood tests, offering a convenient option for early detection. However, should results return positive, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for further investigation. For those with a history of positive colonoscopy findings, continuing regular screening colonoscopies is crucial for ongoing health monitoring.

Addressing Genetic Concerns

What do I do if I’m worried about my genetic risk for colon cancer?

  • Discuss with your PCP and they can provide you with a genetic screening evaluation. You can then be referred to Cayuga Cancer Center for comprehensive genetic counseling and testing if appropriate.