Who's at risk?
People over age 50 (but can occur at younger ages)
Who's at higher risk?
People of any age with personal history of:
- Colorectal polyps
- Colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
People of any age with family history of:
- Colorectal polyps
- Colorectal cancer
- Familiar adenomatus polyps (FAP)
- Hereditary non-polypsis colon cancer (HNPCC)
A healthy lifestyle and regular screening can help to lower your risk for colorectal cancer.
- Remember that screening for colorectal cancer saves lives! Begin regular screening at age 50. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and the need for earlier screening.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Eat whole grain foods.
- Reduce the fat in your diet.
- Exercise! Talk with your doctor about an exercise program for you.
- Limit alcohol consumption and don’t smoke.
- Maintain your suggested body weight.