Colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, is one of the most preventable cancers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than one third of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if people over 50 had regular screening tests.

Screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer by finding pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they develop into cancer.

These screening tests are even more important for preventing colorectal cancer among high-risk individuals.

• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, researchers recommend that you start screening tests for colorectal cancer at the age of 40.
• If you have an immediate family member who has had colon, rectal, breast, prostate, testicular, or another glandular cancer, researchers recommend that you be tested when you are 10 years younger than they were when diagnosed.

Beyond testing, there are a number of other steps that researchers say may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Diet and Lifestyle:

Among populations that consume a diet high in fat, protein, calories, alcohol, and meat (both red and white) and low in calcium and folate, colorectal cancer appears to be more likely to develop than among populations that consume a low-fat, high-fiber diet.

A diet high in saturated fat combined with a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

There is also evidence that smoking cigarettes may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Even a small amount of exercise each day can work towards reducing colon polyp growth.

Vitamins and Supplements:

There are studies ongoing looking at vitamins A, E, D, and C, folic acid, calcium, selenium, aspirin, cox-2 inhibitors, and hormone replacement therapy as chemopreventive agents, that may prevent or reverse the formation of polyps and colon cancer. These studies, thus far, have been inconclusive, so no specific recommendations have been made for the general population. Some of these agents continue to be evaluated in clinical trials.

Hormones:

If you are a woman, and are past the age of menopause, studies have shown a promising link between hormone replacement therapy and reduced colon polyp growth (but not rectal polyp growth).

All information provided in this site is offered for educational purposes only, and it is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your own physician or healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.