Get screened for colorectal cancer.
The best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer regularly, beginning at age 45. A screening can help find cancer before you have symptoms. Almost all colorectal cancers begin as abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, but they don’t always have symptoms.
That’s why screenings are so important. Colorectal cancer screening can find abnormal growths so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, your primary care physician might recommend a screening at an earlier age. Check with your primary care provider or your plan medical group to get information about a colon cancer screening. This may include
a fecal immunochemical (FIT) test, which you can do at home.
How an FIT test works
Eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Diets that are high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon cancer. Try eating less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have all been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Exercise regularly.
If you are not physically active, you may have a greater chance of developing colon cancer. Increasing your activity may help reduce your risk. All Sharp Health Plan members have access to free one-on-one, telephone-based Best Health® coaching sessions, which are designed to help you reach your fitness goals.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight may increase your risk of colon cancer. Overall, the risk of cancer increases with the excess weight you gain and the longer you are overweight, the CDC says.
Don’t smoke.
Long-term smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop colon cancer. If you smoke, take advantage of community resources that can help you quit, like Best Health’s smoking cessation sessions.
Limit alcohol.
Alcohol use is linked with a higher risk of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.