Colorectal

Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, it is possible to prevent many colon cancers with the following:

• Diet and exercise: It is important to manage the risk factors you can control, such as diet and exercise. Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods, and avoiding high-fat, low-fiber foods, plus appropriate exercise, even small amounts on a regular basis, can be helpful.
• Drug therapy: Some studies have shown that low doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and estrogen replacement therapy for post-menopausal women may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Discuss this with your physician.
• Screenings: Perhaps most important to the prevention of colorectal cancer is having screening tests at appropriate ages. Because some colorectal cancers cannot be prevented, finding them early is the best way to improve the chance of successful treatment and reduce the number of deaths caused by colorectal cancer.