7 Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Prevention


Actors Diane Keaton and Jimmy Smits, along with news anchor Katie Couric, are trying to protect people and their loved ones
from a killer—a killer called colorectal cancer. USC/Norris physicians and researchers recognize the value of patient education and offer
these seven guidelines for colorectal cancer prevention.

By Meghan Lewit

1. Balance your diet

Diets high in fat and cholesterol, especially from animal sources, increase colorectal cancer risk, while diets rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat may help reduce risk. Studies show that extra fat in the waist increases colorectal cancer risk more than extra fat in the thighs or hips.

 

2. Remove polyps

Studies have shown that removing polyps, which may develop into cancer, decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. Polyps can be identified and removed during colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy procedures.

 

3. Talk to your doc

People with polyps (believed to be colorectal cancer precursors) or colorectal cancer may or may not have any symptoms. Symptoms may include thin or bloody stools, unexplained pain or cramps in the stomach and unexplained weight loss.

4. Get moving!

Research indicates colorectal cancer risk can be reduced by as much as 40 percent with exercise.

 

5. Know your history

It is extremely important that your physician knows not only your personal medical history, but also that of your family. Your colorectal cancer risk is higher if you have had cancer or if a family member has had polyps, chronic inflammation of the bowel or colorectal cancer. You may consider genetic counseling.

 

6. Don't smoke

Smoking increases your risk for colorectal cancer because inhaled tobacco smoke, as well as chewed tobacco, transports carcinogens to the colon. Also,
studies have linked tobacco use to increased polyp size.

 

7. Age 50 = at risk

Men and women age 50 or older should be screened. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer of Americans, yet when it is found early and treated, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90 percent. The older you get, the greater your chances are of developing the disease. Among several different screening tests, colonoscopy is cited.