Can You Lower Your Odds of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer — or cancer of the colon or rectum — is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Fortunately, this type of cancer can be treated successfully if it is found early.

Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but more than nine out of 10 cases occur in adults age 50 and older. Besides age, other risk factors include:

• a history of polyps, or benign growths that occur in the colon and rectum
• a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, especially before the age of 60
• a personal history of ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer.

Risk-reducing Strategies
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. However, research suggests that certain lifestyle strategies may lower a person's risk of developing colon cancer. These include:

• exercising regularly
• managing your weight
• eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, and whole grains
• not smoking
• limiting alcohol intake.

Early Detection Offers Hope
Screening offers the single best method of discovering colorectal cancer at a treatable stage. There are many screening options. Many health experts recommend that people age 50 and older undergo screening with one or more of these tests:

Each screening method or combination has pros and cons. Your doctor can help you decide which screening technique is right for you. People who face a high risk for colorectal cancer may be advised to undergo earlier and/or more frequent screening.

When symptoms occur
While colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages, warning signs may include:

• persistent diarrhea
• constipation
• narrow stools or blood in your stool
• weight loss with no obvious cause
• abdominal gas, bloating, or cramps
• constant fatigue
• vomiting.

Talk to your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms, which may be the result of other conditions.