Colon Consensus

According to the National Cancer Institute, 7% of Americans will develop colon cancer. However, it is relatively preventable if people consume more fiber and those over 50 get regular cancer screenings. Americans currently consume only about half the fiber they need. "Experimental studies show wheat bran offers the most protection against colon tumor development," says Joanne R. Lupton, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at Texas A&M University. "As an insoluble fiber, wheat bran increases bulk and decreases transit time in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its exposure to carcinogens."

The death rate due to colon cancer in the United States is second only to lung cancer, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 people annually. Both men and women contract the disease in equal numbers, and die at the same rate. The risk for colon cancer begins to increase after age 40 and rises sharply from 50 to 55.

The good news is it's one of the most preventable cancers. "With what we know about colon cancer, we can take significant steps toward preventing one of the most common and deadly cancers today." says Moshe Shike, M.D., director of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Prevention and Wellness program.

COPYRIGHT 1998 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group