Lower Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer

Healthy You.

• Get colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45 if you are at normal risk.
• Talk to your doctor about screenings before age 45 if you are at higher risk. This could be due to a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, other cancers or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats.
• Eat between 25 and 30 grams of dietary fiber each day. Fiber is in fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, and beans.
• Avoid or drink alcohol in moderation and quit smoking. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and cancers of the stomach and intestines.
• Be physically active for at least 150 minutes each week. Sit less and move your body more.
• Aim for a healthy weight.
• Report to your doctor any persistent symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, weight loss, narrower-than-usual stools, abdominal pains or other gastrointestinal complaints.