-Even though we don't know the exact cause of most colorectal cancers, it is possible to prevent many of them.

-Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer.

-Screening is the process of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease.

-From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow into polyps, it usually takes about 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer.

-Regular screening can, in many cases, prevent colorectal cancer altogether. This is because most polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

-Screening can also result in finding colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.

-People who have no identified risk factors (other than age) should begin regular screening at age 50.

-Those who have a family history or other risk factors for colorectal polyps or cancer, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should talk with their doctor about starting screening at a younger age and/or getting screened more frequently.

-That depends on your risk of colorectal cancer and which test you have.

-Most people can choose 1 of these schedules:
.Colonoscopy every 10 years
.Computed tomography (CTC) every 5 years
.Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
.Barium enema every 5 years
.Stool testing for blood once a year

-People who have a high risk of colon cancer often need to be tested more often and should have a colonoscopy

-You can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by managing the risk factors that you can control, like diet and physical activity.

-Most studies have found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women, but the link seems to be stronger in men. Having more belly fat (that is, a larger waistline) has also been linked to colorectal cancer.

-Diets that are high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (and low in red and processed meats) have been linked with lower colorectal cancer risk.

-Studies show a lower risk of colorectal cancer and polyps with increasing levels of activity.

-Moderate activity on a regular basis lowers the risk, but vigorous activity may have an even greater benefit.

-Several studies have found a higher risk of colorectal cancer with increased alcohol intake, especially among men.

At this time, the best advice about diet and activity to possibly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to:

-Increase the intensity and amount of -physical activity.
-Limit intake of red and processed meats.
-Get the recommended levels of -calcium and vitamin D.
-Eat more vegetables and fruits.
-Avoid obesity and weight gain around the midsection.
-Avoid excess alcohol.

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