Prevention

Preventing small intestine cancer can be challenging due to its rarity, but certain lifestyle changes and medical strategies may help reduce the risk:

• Healthy Diet:
  ◦ High-Fiber Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce the risk of digestive cancers.
  ◦ Limit Processed Meats: Reducing the intake of processed meats and high-fat foods may help lower the risk.
  ◦ Healthy Fats: Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, instead of trans fats or saturated fats.
• Regular Exercise: Staying physically active can help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of cancers associated with obesity.
• Avoid Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking are known risk factors for many types of cancer, including small intestine cancer (UK Health Security Agency, 2019).
• Genetic Testing and Screening:
  ◦ For At-Risk Individuals: People with a family history of genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome should consider regular screenings and genetic counselling.
  ◦ Early Detection: For those at higher risk, screening for gastrointestinal cancers may catch potential issues early.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions that cause long-term inflammation in the digestive tract, like Crohn’s disease, may increase the risk of small intestine cancer. Proper management of these conditions can help lower the risk.
• Avoid Carcinogenic Exposures: Minimize exposure to known carcinogens, such as certain chemicals or toxins, that may increase cancer risk (Barsouk et al., 2019).