6 Ways to Help Lower Your Risk For Colorectal Cancer

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the US. It was estimated that in 2019 there were over 51,000 deaths due to colon cancer and its complications. The American Cancer Society has estimated that 1 in 22 men and 1 in 24 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. Although the statistics may be worrisome, there are things you can do to help lower your risk. 

1. Get screened regularly: This is the most important thing you can do to prevent and decrease colon cancer. Colorectal screenings can many times find growths in the colon or rectum called polyps that can often be removed before they turn into cancer. It is currently recommended that you start screening at the age of 50, however, if you have family history of colon cancer you may need to get screened sooner. There are many options for screening. The best thing to do is have an open discussion with your doctor about what is right for you.

2. Get regular exercise: Being active is an important part of staying healthy, regardless of age. It can lower the risk of many serious diseases, including colon cancer. Take brisk walks, cycle, go on a jog… Any amount of physical activity is better than none! 

3. Watch your weight: If you have a healthy weight and you work to maintain it, it may also help lower your risk of many types of diseases and cancers, including colon cancer. 

4. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains: A diet low in animal fats and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (which contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants), can not only keep you healthy, but can also decrease your risk. A diet high in fiber has been linked to a decreased risk of colon or rectal cancer. Fiber helps move things along in your digestive tract and keeps it healthy.

5. Limit alcohol consumption: The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Too much alcohol consumption can lead to many other illnesses and not just colon cancer. 

6. Don’t smoke: Smokers are many times more likely than non-smokers to develop and die from colon or rectal cancer. They have also been linked to a greater risk for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. 

Although there are a lot of things we can do to help prevent colorectal cancer, there are unavoidable factors that can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer, like age and family history. Your chances of developing cancer increase after you reach the age of 50. 

Family history plays a very important role in our overall health. About 1 in 3 people who develop colon or rectal cancer have other family members who’ve also had it. Your personal history can also affect your risk. This is why it is very important to mention any family history of cancer to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor today about getting screened for colon cancer. Your doctor is your best source for any information on prevention and keeping you healthy and on the right track.