Nobody wants to hear the words "you have colon cancer." Even worse, nobody wants to lose their life to colon cancer. Unfortunately, there are some risk factors for this disease that are beyond your control. You can't, for example, change a family history or a genetic predisposition to the disease. But that does not mean your colon cancer risk is entirely out of your control. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer, and even more importantly, dying from the illness.

Adhere to screening recommendations.

Since colon cancer is a disease with some non-modifiable risk factors, it's really important to be screened for the condition. Screening won't keep you from developing colon cancer, but it will ensure that if you do develop it, the condition is diagnosed early. With an early diagnosis, treatments are very effective.

The current recommendation is that everyone over the age of 45 be screened for colon cancer regularly. Those with a life expectancy over 10 years should stick with this screening through age 75. 

Don't smoke.

Smoking may be best known for its impact on lung cancer risk, but it can increase your risk of colon cancer, too. If you're not a smoker, don't start smoking. If you are a smoker, then you should make quitting a priority. There are many treatments that can help you quit these days. Support groups, nicotine patches, and hypnotherapy are all options to explore. Even if you can't quit entirely right away, smoking less is better.

Limit red meat consumption.

Eating too much red meat can also increase your risk of colon cancer. You don't have to avoid red meat entirely, but try to make it something you enjoy every now and then, rather than several times per week. Make chicken, fish, and soy-based products your go-to sources of protein, and enjoy a nice steak or burger as a special treat now and then.

Keep alcohol intake under control.

Again, you do not have to avoid alcohol entirely. But binge drinking on the weekends, or even enjoying a whole bottle of wine a few times per week is not smart — in terms of your risk of colon cancer or your overall health. If you drink, stick to one or two drinks, and try not to indulge too often. People often find that drinking beverages with a lower ABV helps them keep their alcohol intake in check. So, consider reaching for a light beer over a glass of Scotch whiskey.

Colon cancer is a terrible disease, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. Adhere to screening guidelines, and do your best to control the risk factors that you do have some control over.