What can be done to lower your risk of Colorectal Cancer?
The following steps can help lower your risk of colorectal cancer:
- Get regular colorectal screening tests beginning at age 50.
- Regardless of your age, know the risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer.
- If you experience symptoms at any age, get a colonoscopy; over 15,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed under the age of 50 each year.
- If you have a personal or family history of cancer or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your healthcare provider about earlier screening tests.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans.
- Eat a low-fat diet.
- Eat foods with folate such as green, leafy vegetables. A daily multi-vitamin containing .4 mg of folic acid may also be helpful.
- If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. If you use tobacco, quit. If you don't use tobacco, don't start.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes four to five days each week. Even moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing may help reduce your risk.
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