Milk Can Help You Beat Cancer

I like to blog on public health topics, but colon cancer is a topic that I hadn't even considered fell into that realm, until today when I read "The Cancer You Can Beat Today." Colon cancer is highly treatable, because it takes 30 years or more to develop. Polyps grow on colon walls and slowly morph into tumors. Only during the last few years of that time period are the growths lethal and capable of spreading. This is a public health concern because early detection is hampered by people being squemish about the exam.

Risk factors include:

• Family history
• Age
• Obesity
• Inactivity

Methods to reduce your risk:

1. Step away from your desk. Inactivity may encourage cancer growth, possibly due to inflammation.
2. Take a baby aspirin a day. The painkillers reduce cancer-friendly inflammation.
3. Drink more milk. Vitamin D and calcium can help reduce your risk.

I'll add a fourth way to reduce risk. Read the article I linked above for more detail. Knowledge is a powerful tool.