4 Steps to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in our country. It takes the lives of about 53,000 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these deaths, however, could be prevented. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Take care of your heart

Avoiding colorectal cancer is like getting a two-for-one deal. If you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, you’ll also be lowering your risk of colorectal cancer. Don’t smoke, get regular exercise, and lose weight if you’re overweight. Eat lots of vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and less red and processed meats. Finally, avoid tobacco and avoid or drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men.

2. Know the symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, especially at first. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, pain that doesn’t go away, losing weight without trying, and a change in bowel habits. See your doctor if you notice these signs.

3. Find out your family history

If you have a close blood relative with the disease, you may be at a higher risk of getting it. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

4. Get screened

Tests include stool blood tests that you do at home, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Follow your doctor’s advice for screening tests and how often you need them. If you are at average risk, begin screenings at age 45 and have them up to age 75, and sometimes if older than 75. If you have risk factors for or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, you may need tests sooner and more often. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Screenings can save your life!