Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States.
But, depending on your genetic history, it is preventable.
This is the cafeteria at Castle Medical Center, perhaps dressed up a little more than usual.
But that's because Ruby Hayasaka, director of nutritional services wants to make a point about preventing colorectal cancer. "Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, eating foods in their most natural state without a lot of added sugar, whole grains, seeds, nuts and if you choose to eat meat, eat fish, poultry and lean red meat."
And in the right portions.
Meat entrees should be no bigger than a deck of cards and it's not just about diet.
"Health professionals repeat the same advice, along with leading a healthy lifestyle, and exercising in order to maintain a healthy weight. And the reason why we do this is because it really works," she said.
And Ruby walks the talk. "I myself lost over 100 pounds in the last year and I did it by simply following these very same nutrition guidelines that we've talked about."
By now, the risks of being overweight are well-known.
What might not be as obvious, the advantages to losing those extra pounds.
"The benefits are greater than I expected. Not only have I lowered my risk for developing cancer and other disease but I watched my blood levels of blood sugar and lipids fall right back down to a very healthy, normal level," she said.
The secret to a healthy diet, Ruby says, is planning. "Some people plan their menus for weeks, some for even a month. That way you can make less trips to the grocery store so that on a daily basis, you're saving time, not having to figure out what you're going to eat, do some planning and that way it's easier for you to stay within the nutrition guidelines."
