This is the most important thing you can do to prevent colorectal cancer

By now, you’ve probably seen the headlines: There’s been an increase of colorectal cancer among people under the age of 45 in the United States, and while the exact cause is still being studied, evidence points to environmental exposures and lifestyle risks, including a diet low in fiber, high in fat and sugar, and high in processed food.  

The good news is that, when caught early and localized, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 90%, and there are tests that can help you detect the disease. Colonoscopy, a procedure during which a gastroenterologist uses a flexible tube affixed with a camera called a colonoscope to examine your rectum and colon for polyps, is the gold standard. You should talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy:

• If you’re experiencing symptoms such as blood in your stool, pain in your abdomen, unexplained weight loss or diarrhea

• If you’re age 45 or older

• If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, regardless of age. You should be screened 10 years earlier than the age of that family member when they were first diagnosed with cancer.

• Your son or daughter is diagnosed with early-age colorectal cancer

How often you receive a colonoscopy depends on a few factors, but if you are healthy and not experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer, do not have a family history of colorectal cancer and your screening colonoscopy doesn’t reveal any polyps, you should expect to schedule your next one in 10 years. 

There are also ways you can reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to increase your physical activity. This is because physical activity can help: 

• Lower levels of certain hormones that have been associated with cancer

• Prevent high levels of insulin, which has been linked to cancer

• Reduce inflammation

• Speed up digestion so that your body eliminates waste more efficiently

• Prevent obesity

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week to help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and keep your body and mind healthy. 

Other steps you can take to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer include:

• Avoiding processed foods and instead aiming for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, eggs and fish

• Limiting your use of alcohol

• Avoiding smoking

• Making sure you eat enough fiber by prioritizing whole grains and vegetables

• Taking a vitamin C supplement

• Making sure you’re getting enough calcium 

Talk to your doctor to see if scheduling a colonoscopy is right for you.

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