Colorectal Cancer Prevention

While not all cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented, there are many steps you can take to lower your risk. Healthy lifestyle choices, regular screening, and understanding your personal risk factors can help prevent colorectal cancer or detect it before it becomes advanced.

Unlike many other cancers, colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous growths called polyps. Finding and removing these polyps during screening can stop cancer from developing altogether.

Can colorectal cancer be prevented?

Many cases of colorectal cancer are preventable. Researchers estimate that up to half of colorectal cancer cases may be linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use.

Some risk factors, such as age, family history, inherited genetic syndromes, and inflammatory bowel disease, cannot be changed. However, making healthy lifestyle choices and following recommended screening guidelines can significantly reduce your risk.

Lifestyle changes that may lower your risk

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes has been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Try to limit:

• Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats

• Red meat, especially when eaten in large amounts

• Highly processed foods

• Foods high in added sugars and unhealthy fats

Eating foods that are high in fiber may also help support colon health.

Stay physically active

Regular physical activity lowers the risk of colorectal cancer and many other chronic diseases. Adults should aim for at least:

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or

• 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week

• Strength training at least two days per week is also recommended

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in men. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and balanced nutrition can help reduce your risk.

Don't smoke

Smoking increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer and many other cancers. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health.

Limit alcohol

Drinking alcohol increases colorectal cancer risk. If you choose to drink, limit alcohol to no more than:

• One drink per day for women

• Two drinks per day for men

• Drinking less may further reduce your risk

Know your family history

Your family history plays an important role in determining your colorectal cancer risk. Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• A parent, sibling, or child diagnosed with colorectal cancer

• Multiple relatives with colorectal cancer or advanced colon polyps

• Family members diagnosed at a young age

• A known inherited cancer syndrome in your family

Your provider may recommend earlier screening or refer you for genetic counseling.

Inherited conditions that increase colorectal cancer risk

Several inherited syndromes significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer, including:

• Lynch syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer)

• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

• MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)

• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

• Juvenile polyposis syndrome

People with these conditions often begin colorectal cancer screening much earlier than the general population and may require specialized surveillance.

Managing inflammatory bowel disease

People with long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease affecting the colon have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), your healthcare provider will recommend a surveillance colonoscopy schedule based on how long you have had the disease and how much of your colon is affected.

Preventive medications

Research suggests that aspirin may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in some people, particularly those at higher cardiovascular risk or with certain inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome. However, aspirin is not recommended for everyone because it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting aspirin or any medication to reduce cancer risk.

Removing polyps prevents colorectal cancer

Most colorectal cancers develop slowly from precancerous polyps over many years. During a colonoscopy, your doctor can remove these polyps before they become cancerous. This makes colorectal cancer unique because screening doesn't just detect cancer early, it can actually prevent cancer from developing.

Take charge of your colorectal health

The best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to combine healthy lifestyle habits with regular screening based on your age and personal risk factors.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your family history, lifestyle, and medical history to develop a personalized prevention plan. Together, you can determine when screening should begin and what steps you can take to lower your risk.