Is It Too Late to Improve My Diet and Prevent Colon Cancer?

Long-term infrequent consumption of vegetables?

Hello Doctor, I am currently 15 years old (entering high school) and I have long disliked eating vegetables.
I almost never actively consume a lot of greens (I also don’t eat the vegetables in the school lunch).
I eat fruits about 2 to 4 times a week.
According to my parents, I used to love fried foods when I was younger, and now I eat fried foods about 2 to 3 times a month.
I don’t often drink sugary beverages (I don’t actively buy them) and I frequently snack.
Recently, I have become aware of the risks associated with my poor vegetable intake, so I have started to practice eating vegetables (now I only eat fish, and I consume two fist-sized portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit daily).
I have only been improving my diet for nearly a month.
I have read many articles related to colorectal cancer recently and I am starting to fear that it might be too late to make changes, worrying daily about whether I might be ill.
Before improving my diet, my bowel movements were every 2 to 4 days, with dark brown stool that was sausage-shaped, not too thin, and without blood.
After improving my diet, I now have bowel movements every 1 to 2 days, occasionally loose stools, and the color is much more normal (not as dark as before).
I do not have a family history of colorectal cancer, and I am 158 cm tall and weigh 45 kg.
Given that my stool does not show significant abnormalities, should I undergo a colonoscopy? (I am very afraid that my long-term poor diet might lead to colorectal polyps.) Is it still possible to correct my diet after 15 years? I am really worried about whether I might get cancer...
Thank you for your response, Doctor!

Su, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/15

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

At the age of 15, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is not zero, but generally speaking, it is very, very low.
Based on your description, it seems more like hemorrhoids.
I recommend starting with a light diet and maintaining a good lifestyle.
Spicy, irritating, and greasy foods should be avoided.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may want to consult a physician for medication or to undergo a colonoscopy.
Given your situation, improving your lifestyle and dietary habits should suffice; otherwise, it would be contradictory, like running a red light while worrying about being hit by a car.

Reply Date: 2017/07/15

More Info

It's great to hear that you're taking proactive steps to improve your diet at the age of 15. The concerns you have about your eating habits and their potential impact on your health, particularly regarding colon cancer, are valid, especially as you start to learn more about nutrition and health risks.
Firstly, it's important to understand that while genetics and family history can play a significant role in the risk of developing certain cancers, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health habits are also crucial. The fact that you do not have a family history of colon cancer is a positive factor.
Colon cancer is generally more common in older adults, and the majority of cases occur in individuals over the age of 50. However, it is becoming increasingly recognized that lifestyle choices made during adolescence and early adulthood can have long-term effects on health. A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed foods can contribute to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and potentially cancer.
The good news is that it is never too late to make positive changes to your diet. The improvements you've made in the past month—such as incorporating more vegetables and fruits—are steps in the right direction. A diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system healthy and can aid in regular bowel movements, which is essential for colon health.

Regarding your bowel habits, having a bowel movement every 1-2 days is generally considered normal, especially if your stool is well-formed and not accompanied by blood or significant discomfort. The changes you've noticed in your stool color and frequency after improving your diet are encouraging signs that your digestive health is improving.
As for whether you should undergo a colonoscopy, given your age and the absence of alarming symptoms (like blood in your stool or significant changes in bowel habits), it is likely not necessary at this time. However, if you continue to have concerns or if your bowel habits change significantly, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and current symptoms.

In summary, it's commendable that you are taking steps to improve your diet. Continue to focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight are also important factors in reducing your risk of various health issues, including cancer. If you have ongoing concerns about your health or diet, consider speaking with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who can help guide you further. Remember, making small, sustainable changes over time can lead to significant health benefits in the long run.

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