When it comes to processed foods, a favorite menu of many people, sausages, ham, and bacon spring to mind. After all, they are easy to find, economical and delicious which makes them a perfect accompaniment to the hustle and bustle of life. Nevertheless, these delectable morsels can be life-threatening. More specifically, consuming them in excess can lead to colon cancer. So do please be aware of the dangers of processed foods. You might find the following information useful to keep you safe from the health issues they can lead to.

Processed food increases the risk of colon cancer

            If you’re wondering how eating certain types of processed foods leads to colon cancer, it’s because most of them contain saltpeter. Also known as potassium nitrate, the substance is added to foods to give them more color. However, it has similar properties to nitrite and sodium nitrate, preservatives used to inhibit bacterial growth in sealed packaged foods.   

There are four forms of nitrate: potassium nitrate or saltpeter (KNO3); sodium nitrate (NaNO3); potassium nitrite (KNO2), and sodium nitrite (NaNO2). When the body is exposed to too much of these substances, it has a negative effect on health. The way it works is that bacteria in the digestive system convert nitrates to nitrites. Nitrites change normal hemoglobin in red blood cells into more methemoglobin, which reduces the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to cells. The upshot is physical exhaustion, nausea, cyanosis, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and fainting.

When your body has too much exposure to nitrites, over time cancer risk increases. In more detail, when nitrites react with amine compounds in the acidic state of the stomach, carcinogenic nitrosamines result.

As such, those at risk of colon cancer or who regularly eat processed foods are recommended by doctors to get screened for colon cancer.

Avoid colon cancer with proactive testing

A good way to avoid developing colon cancer is proactive testing. In fact, even those at no or little risk should be tested as it will reveal their body state more clearly. Initial warning signs include abnormal excretion, constipation alternating with diarrhea, blood in stools and more fragmented stools. Onset of actual tumor formation is accompanied with abdominal pain, the level and exact location of which varies from case to case.

If any of these symptoms are experienced, a colonoscopy is required. Here the physician inserts a small aperture endoscope through the anus up into the colon, enabling visualization of the colon and tip of the small intestine. Biopsies are taken of any abnormal looking tissues for scientific examination. Regular check-ups are recommended every 5 to 10 years from the age of 50, or 45 for those with a family history of colon cancer.

Behavioral changes to avoid colon cancer

Modifying one’s behavior in everyday life is an important tool to be used against the prospect of any cancer but particularly colon cancer which is one of the top causes of death both among Thai people and in the world in general. According to 2018 data from the National Cancer Institute, every year in Thailand, around 12,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer and around 3,000 people die from it. The data cited 6,800 cases and 5,500 cases among males and females respectively. So please look after yourself by avoiding processed foods as much as possible and perhaps substituting them with fresh meat.

Moreover, avoid charring meat when toasting, grilling, or smoking it because the smoke produced by burning the fat contains carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Opt for more boiled or steamed dishes instead. Also, up your intake of high fiber foods, notably fruits and vegetables, as they’re good for you. Get regular exercise and keep your weight within the standard for your body type. Cut down or quit smoking and alcohol consumption as well as this will not only reduce the risk of cancer but improve your general health.

Good health is possible for everyone. You can go a long way to avoiding colon cancer by making simple behavioral adjustments. Reduce your consumption of sausages, ham and bacon and do more boiling, steaming and oil-free frying.

If you notice any of the warning signs of colon cancer or know that you are at risk, do get a checkup in order to receive prompt treatment if found to be necessary.

Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers who develop colon cancer can get advice on finding specialist physicians and hospitals from Krungthai-AXA. For more details, please visit https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/care-coordination.

References

·      Bumrungrad Hospital
https://bit.ly/3EXS6QG

·      Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital
https://bit.ly/3rYTq0E

·      Bangkok Hospital
https://bit.ly/3MuydU6

·      Paolo Hospital
https://bit.ly/37KDet7

·      Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University
https://bit.ly/3sKSmh5

·      Hfocus
https://bit.ly/3Mw5uyH