Colorectal Cancer Risk Reductions

There are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

1. Get screened regularly: Regular colorectal cancer screening can help detect the disease early, when it is most treatable. Talk to your healthcare provider about which screening test is best for you and how often you should be screened.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Aim to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise, such as brisk walking or jogging, can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
4. Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Limit consumption of red and processed meats, which have been linked to an increased risk.
5. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Women should limit their alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, and men should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day.
6. Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.
7. Consider taking aspirin: Some studies have suggested that regular use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, these medications also carry risks and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

If you have concerns about your risk of colorectal cancer or need help developing a risk reduction plan, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine which strategies may be most appropriate for you based on your individual risk factors.