What can I do to lower my risk of colorectal cancer?
To lower the risk of colorectal cancer, the most important thing for someone to do is to get screened. Finding polyps before they ever have a chance to turn into cancer is the most important thing so following the recommended screening guidelines is the number one thing that somebody can do to prevent colorectal cancer. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation only, or avoiding alcohol completely, can decrease a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. Eating a healthy diet that's high in fibre, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats is also important. Having an exercise regime that increases ones cardiovascular fitness has also been, in epidemiologic studies, associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Other things that can help to decrease one's risk of developing colorectal cancer include using anti-inflammatories like Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen and Iproxin. In different studies, they have been shown to decrease the incidence of developing polyps - and it's the polyps that later turn into the cancer - so these medications can potentially decrease one's risk of developing colorectal cancer.
