Although colorectal cancer may not be entirely preventable, a person can take certain steps to reduce their risk of developing it. These include screenings, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and more.

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that begins in a person’s colon or rectum.

The colon is also known as the large bowel or large intestine. The rectum is at the end of the colon. It attaches the colon to the anus.

This article explains ways a person may be able to reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer developing.

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The American Cancer Society notes that there is no way to prevent colorectal cancer completely. However, there are certain steps a person can take to help reduce their chances of developing it.

A 2022 article reports that colorectal cancer is preventable in about 50% of cases. However, more research is necessary to understand this better.

Learn more about colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening involves a doctor checking a person’s intestinal cells for signs of cancer. This can allow them to detect abnormal cells before they grow into cancer.

Most colorectal cancers are due to the development of polyps in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. A polyp is a small growth.

While many polyps are benign, or noncancerous, some may become cancerous over time.

It usually takes around 10 to 15 years for polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. If a person receives regular screening, a doctor can remove these polyps before they become malignant.

Learn more about the types of screening for colorectal cancer.

When do doctors recommend colorectal cancer screening?

A person with an average risk of colorectal cancer should receive regular screening once they are 45 years old.

People with increased risk may need to begin screening at an earlier age.

Learn more about when to undergo colorectal cancer screening.

Overweight or obesity may increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer.

Maintaining a moderate weight may help a person reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.

Learn more about obesity and what causes it.

According to a 2022 review, exercise can significantly lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Vigorous-intensity exercise is more likely to lower the risk than moderate-intensity exercise. However, any regular exercise or physical activity may be beneficial for helping reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Learn more about the benefits of exercise.

The ACS explains that the effect of diet on colorectal cancer is currently unclear. However, they suggest that a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will probably reduce a person’s colorectal cancer risk.

Consuming a diet high in red or processed meats may increase the likelihood of colorectal cancer. These include:

  • beef
  • lamb
  • pork
  • sausage
  • lunch meat
  • hot dogs

Learn more about foods that might help lower cancer risk.

Moderate to heavy drinking may cause a 1.2- to 1.5-fold increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with drinking no alcohol.

Learn more about alcohol and the risk of cancer.

Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

A 2022 study found that smoking also increased the risk of mortality in people with colorectal cancer.

If a person currently smokes and wishes to quit smoking, they can contact their doctor for advice.

Learn more about smoking and the risk of cancer.

The National Cancer Institute states that taking aspirin daily for at least 2 years may lower a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. It may also reduce their risk of dying from the condition.

However, daily aspirin use may increase a person’s chances of stroke and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. A person should speak with their doctor before taking aspirin daily.

Learn more about the uses and risks of aspirin.

Combined HRT may lower the risk of invasive colorectal cancer postmenopause.

However, if a person receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does develop colorectal cancer, a doctor is more likely to diagnose the condition at an advanced stage.

A person can contact their doctor for advice if they currently receive HRT and have concerns about colorectal cancer.

Learn more about the types, uses, and effects of HRT.

A person can manage certain risk factors for colorectal cancer. These include:

  • smoking cigarettes
  • drinking alcohol
  • overweight or obesity
  • eating processed or red meats
  • not getting enough regular physical activity or exercise

Risk factors for colorectal cancer that a person cannot control include:

  • being over the age of 50 years
  • having a family history of colorectal cancer
  • having had colorectal cancer previously
  • having colorectal polyps that are 1 centimeter (cm) or more in size
  • having ovarian cancer
  • having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • inheriting genes related to familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer
  • being Black

Learn more about racial disparities in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms until it has grown or spread.

Possible symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to colorectal cancer. However, a person should contact their doctor for an accurate diagnosis if they experience these symptoms.

Receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment for colorectal cancer as soon as possible may help to prevent it from growing further or spreading.

Learn more about metastatic colorectal cancer.

A person should speak with their doctor if they notice any symptoms of colorectal cancer.

They should also attend a screening when they are at least 45 years old if they are at average risk of the condition. A person may need to attend screenings earlier if they are at an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Learn more about when to consult a doctor about potential cancer.

Here are some frequently asked questions about colon cancer, which can be another term for colorectal cancer that starts in the colon.

What are the causes of colon cancer?

The leading cause of colon cancer is the development of polyps. Certain risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. These include having a family history of colorectal cancer and being over 50 years old.

Why is colon cancer on the rise?

The National Cancer Institute notes that cases of colorectal cancer in younger people have been increasing since the 1990s. Researchers are currently unsure of why this is happening. However, they believe that certain risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and drinking alcohol, may have increased.

Researchers also note that environmental factors may be behind this increase in colorectal cancer. Further research is necessary.

Is it possible to reverse colon cancer?

Colon cancer may be highly treatable and often curable when it has not spread. Surgery may cure around 50% of colon cancer cases.

What foods prevent colon cancer?

The effect of diet on colorectal cancer is currently unclear. However, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the likelihood of developing the condition. Avoiding red and processed meats may also help.

It may not be possible to prevent colorectal cancer completely. However, certain lifestyle changes may help prevent the condition. These include maintaining a moderate weight, getting enough regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.

Doctors recommend that a person receives screening for colorectal cancer once they are age 45 years. Some people may benefit from earlier screening.

A person should speak with a doctor if they experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer. Early detection may improve a person’s chances of successful treatment.