Diet and exercise: People can lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer by managing the risk factors that they can control, such as diet and physical activity. It is important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods and to limit intake of high-fat foods. Physical activity is another area that people can control. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity on 5 or more days of the week. If you participate in moderate or vigorous activity for 45 minutes on 5 or more days of the week you can lower your risk for breast and colorectal cancer even more. If you are overweight, you can ask your doctor about a weight loss plan that will work for you.
Vitamins andcalcium: Some studies suggest that taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid, or folate, can lower colorectal cancer risk. Other studies suggest that increasing calcium intake via supplements or low-fat dairy products will lower risk. Some have suggested that vitamin D, which you can get from sun exposure or in a vitamin pill or in milk, can lower colorectal cancer risk. Indeed the rate of this cancer is lower in the Sunbelt states. Of course, excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer and is not recommended as a way to lower colorectal cancer risk. Vitamin D may work better it you also take calcium.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
Many studies have found that people who regularly use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) have 20% to 50% lower risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Most of these studies, however, are based on observations of people who took these medications for reasons such as treatment of arthritis or prevention of heart attacks. Two recent studies have provided even stronger evidence regarding aspirin's ability to prevent the growth of polyps. The advantage of these recent studies is that people were randomly selected by the researchers to receive either aspirin or an inactive placebo. One study included people who were previously treated for early stages of colorectal cancer, and the other study included people who previously had polyps removed.
Female hormones:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women may slightly reduce their risk of colorectal cancer. HRT also lowers the risk of developing osteoporosis, but it may increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, and breast and uterine cancer. The decision to use HRT should be based on discussion of benefits and risks with your doctor.
Since some colorectal cancers can't be prevented, finding them early is the best way to improve the chance of a cure and reduce the number of deaths caused by this disease.
