MARCH –National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Steps to Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Nearly 56,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer each year.
The risk for developing colorectal cancer increases with age (more likely over the age of 50), inflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, as well as some hereditary disorders. Men and women who use tobacco, drink alcohol to excess, are obese or lead sedentary lifestyles are also at higher risk for the disease.
The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and often curable when detected early. The key is regular colorectal screening.
Make colorectal screening tests part of your health lifestyle. Beginning at age 50:
 | Have a fecal occult
blood test yearly.
| Have a sigmoidoscopy
every five years, or a colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema every 5
to 10 years.
| Have a digital rectal
exam every 5 to 10 years at the time of each screening sigmoidoscopy,
colonoscopy or barium enema.
| If you have a
personal or family history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps or
inflammatory bowel disease, talk with your health care professional about
earlier screening. | |
Other steps to lower your risk of colorectal cancer:
| Maintain a healthy
weight by eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole
grains from breads, cereals, nuts and beans.
| If you use alcohol,
drink only in moderation.
| If you use tobacco,
quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start.
| Exercise moderately
for 30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week. Try walking,
gardening, or climbing steps—or any activity that burns 150 calories of
energy a day. | |
Source: Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, www.preventcancer.org/colorectal/