Primary prevention of colorectal cancer
About 90 percent of colorectal cancers are thought to be preventable. In addition to having regular colorectal cancer screenings, a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
Up to half of all cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented with simple lifestyle modifications such as the following:
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Limit your consumption of red and processed meats. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly. Moderate to intense exercise may help reduce your chances of developing the precancerous polyps that lead to colorectal cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese or overweight increases your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
- Don't smoke. Smoking cigarettes is linked with a higher risk of colorectal and other types of cancer.
- Avoid alcohol. Not drinking at all may reduce your risk. If you do drink, women should limit consumption to no more than one drink a day, and men to two drinks a day.
- Take a low dose of aspirin daily. Aspirin can reduce the development of polyps, particularly in patients with a previous history of polyps or colorectal cancer.
Secondary prevention of colorectal cancer
Screening is for patients who show no symptoms of cancer. It is a preventive measure that anyone can take to catch abnormal cells early on.
If you don't have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you should get regular screening tests starting at age 45. These tests include:
- Fecal occult blood test (or stool guaiac test). Because polyps bleed more than normal tissue, this test is used to detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool. It is recommended annually.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is an exam of the lower section of the colon and rectum, where most polyps and cancers are located. It’s recommended you have this test every five years.
- Colonoscopy. You should have this exam of the entire colon and rectum every five to 10 years. Your doctor may also recommend it if your fecal occult blood test is positive or your sigmoidoscopy detects polyps.
Polyps usually take about 10 to 15 years to develop into colorectal cancer. If they’re detected early, they can be removed before they turn into cancerous cells. Regular screenings also help to catch cancer cells in their early stages, when treatment is more effective.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need earlier and more frequent screening. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy starting at age 40, or 10 years before the age that your immediate family member was diagnosed with cancer.
