DNA Direct: Your Genes in Context

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Related Genetic Tests

Stool DNA Testing

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COLOSURE™ (STOOL DNA TESTING)

Lowering Your Risk of Colon Cancer

While there are some risk factors for colon cancer that you cannot change — your age, genes, gender, and ethnic background — there are some risk factors that you can control. Most of these involve lifestyle choices.

May Reduce Risk	May Increase Risk
Physical activity (1/2 hour or more, 5 days/week) Fruits and vegetables (5 or more servings/day) Whole grain foods Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs	Being overweight (obese) Smoking Red meat (6 or more servings/week) Alcohol (3 or more drinks/week) Saturated fats

Keep Physically Active

Many studies report that regular physical activity lowers the risk of colon cancer. Because of this, the American Cancer Society recommends at least moderate activity 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes. High levels of physical activity may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer among men and women as much as 50%.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is associated with higher colon cancer risk in both women and men, but it is strongly associated with increased risk in men. Maintaining a healthy weight over the course of your life is very important in preventing colorectal cancer.

Eat a Healthy Diet

It is generally believed that a diet high in foods from plant sources (whole grains, vegetables and fruits) and limited saturated fats will help protect people from developing colorectal cancer. Scientists are still trying to decide how much a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber really protects against colorectal cancer, but there are many reasons to eat healthy foods — including lowering your risk for heart disease.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking has been associated with a number of cancers. Not surprisingly, it appears to increase the risk of colorectal cancer according to numerous studies. However, the Surgeon General does not currently consider tobacco use to be a cause of colorectal cancer.

Other Preventive Measures

New research points to aspirin-like drugs, postmenopausal hormones, multivitamins with folic acid, and calcium supplements as helping to prevent colorectal cancer. Some of these approaches may lead to other complications or problems, so you should discuss all of these options with your healthcare provider and decide together what is best for you.

The American Cancer Society does not recommend any medications or supplements to prevent colorectal cancer because it is not clear how well they protect against colorectal cancer, what their risks might be, and how much you should take.