Been searching for answers but can't find any: How do I prevent colon cancer!?

Hello everyone!  I'm a 23 year old guy.

My family is pretty healthy(knock on wood), with the exception of diabetes in the women in few cases, and colon cancer in the men- again in a few cases.  I experienced a hemoroid at 17, and since then like once every year I see mucus in my rectum when I wipe.  Again like once a year.  I have cut out all red meat from my diet except for occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.  I drink coffee once a day, because I heard it may help prevent prostate and colon cancer... but my principle died of it, and he drank tons of coffee a day so I don't know.  

What can I do now to prevent myself from facing colon cancer?

Thanks for taking the time!

[tswebb2000]

Hi there,
I to believe that prevention is the best cure.
I won't make any medical claims, but it has been stated that antioxidants can help reduce the chances of disease. Including various cancers.
Mona Vie is a product that many people claim is fantastic and the Acai berry is rated number 1 super food for antioxidants.
If you want more info email me, and I will send some info to read.
***@****

Regards,
Tim

[Morecambe]

In addition to the above suggestions I would also suggest a diet with a very high fibre content - such as pulverised fresh fruit and also pulverised fresh vegetables.  Some bran can also be added to these mixtures.  The aim of this is to lessen the transit time of digestion (i.e. the time from swallowing to the time of defacation) which in turn reduces the time that any toxins generated in digestion are in contact with the intestines.  For example, in countries with high fibre diets, colon cancer is practically unknown.

In view of a male family history of colon cancer, I would suggest consulting a G.I. specialist and asking whether it might be a good idea for you to undergo a colonoscopy every ??? (5??) years.

regards
Morecambe

[jdwithhcv]

I thing the diet and screening advice from Morcambe is excellent.  As far as colonoscopy, I'm a colorectal cancer survivor, with a family history - I'm the fourth generation.  One thing I've learned is that if you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer (e.g. parent, sibling) you should begin having screening colonoscopy at an age 10 years younger than that relative was when diagnosed.  For example, my dad was diagnosed at 50 (unfortunately he was diagnosed post mortem) so I should have had a colonoscopy at 40.  I didn't know this and had my first one at 46 because I had symptoms.  By then I had stage 3 cancer.  Check your family history and ask your doctor when you should be screened.