Colorectal Cancer Prevention

At least 6 out of every 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.¹

Precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) can be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops. They may not cause any symptoms. Colorectal cancer screeningColorectal cancer screening can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer is prevented. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when there is a greater chance that treatment will be most effective and lead to a cure.

Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by increasing physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.^{2 3 4 5 6}

References

¹Whitlock EP, Lin JS, Liles E, Beil TL, Fu R. Screening for colorectal cancer: a targeted, updated systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal Medicine 2008;149(9):638–658.

²National Institutes of Health. Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Prevention.

³Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 6: Weight Control and Physical Activity. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2002.

⁴Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 8: Fruit and Vegetables. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2003.

⁵Curry S, Byers T, Hewitt M, eds. Fulfilling the Potential of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2003.

⁶The health consequences of smoking: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, Ga.: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; Washington, D.C.