Preventing Colorectal Cancer

In some people it is clear why they developed colorectal cancer - they inherited it; but, in most people, there is no identifiable cause. Without a known cause it makes preventing the disease tricky business. Research has suggested that aspirin may help prevent hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), or Lynch syndrome, an inherited form of colorectal cancer. It is also believed that eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, not smoking, and getting exercise may also help prevent colorectal cancer.

How Can I Protect Myself From Colorectal Cancer?

Diet and Exercise: Experts recommend that as an initial step towards prevention, people concerned about getting colorectal cancer should exercise and eat right. The National Cancer Institute recommends a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. To reduce fat in your diet, you can change your eating and cooking habits. Major sources of fat are meat, eggs, dairy products, and oils used in cooking and salad dressings. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Aspirin: It has been proposed that aspirin may stop cancer cells from multiplying. In addition, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as Aleve and Motrin) may reduce the size of polyps in the colon, and therefore, the risk of colon cancer. But, this belief has not been well established and the proper dosage needed to create this potentially risk-reducing effect is not yet known. In addition, not everyone can tolerate aspirin due to gastrointestinal problems, an increased risk of bleeding, medication interactions, or other medical problems. If you are concerned about your risk of developing colon cancer, you should not start taking aspirin until you discuss it with your doctor.

Screening: Most health problems respond best to treatment when they are diagnosed and treated as early as possible. To catch any abnormalities or problems early, you will need regular checkups from your doctor, including a rectal exam, fecal occult blood test, and possibly other screening test such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Screening recommendations depend upon an individual's risk of colorectal cancer.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center.