Colorectal cancer risk factors you can change

Several lifestyle-related factors have been linked to colorectal cancer. Knowing the risk factors for colorectal cancer may help you take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Being overweight or obese

If you are overweight or obese, your risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer is higher.

Physical inactivity

If you are not physically active, you have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. Being more active might help lower your risk.

Certain types of diets

A diet that is high in red meats (such as beef, pork, lamb, or liver) and processed meats (such as hot dogs and some luncheon meats) can raise your colorectal cancer risk.

Cooking meats at very high temperatures (frying, broiling, or grilling) creates chemicals that might raise your cancer risk.

Diets high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Smoking and heavy alcohol use

People who have smoked for a long time are more likely than non-smokers to develop and die from colorectal cancer. Heavy alcohol use can also lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Screening is the process of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer.

From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow into polyps, it usually takes about 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. With regular screening, most polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.

Screening is recommended starting at age 50 for people who are not at increased risk of colorectal cancer. People at higher risk, such as those with a strong family history of colorectal cancer, might benefit from starting screening at a younger age.

Type of Screening Tests

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)/Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

Tests that look for hidden blood in the stool can be a sign of cancer. The test is quick and easy. These tests can be done every year.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy should be done every 10 years. A small flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to examine the full length of the inside of the colon. If the exam finds polyps or other suspicious growths, they can be removed during the test.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This test should be done every five years. This is an exam similar to a colonoscopy that uses a small flexible tube to examine the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid).

Virtual Colonoscopy

This should be done every five years. It is a type of CT scan that creates a precise 3-D image of the inside of the colon. During the test, a small tube is inserted into the rectum to gently inflate the colon with air.

References

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-risk-factors

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-prevention