• Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer

3 Top Tips to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

You want to live a long, healthy life — free from those most terrifying of words: cancer. But how to go about it? Here are three of our best tips to help you prevent colorectal cancer.

1. Get Cancer Screenings

Fortunately, most instances of colorectal cancer begin as “precancerous polyps”, which are abnormal growths that show up in the colon or rectum. It takes about 10 to 15 years for the precancerous polyps to turn into colorectal cancer. If colorectal cancer is found early, it is considered highly curable. It’s to your benefit to start getting screened at age 45, or earlier if you are at increased risk due to your family history.

2. Commit to a Healthy Way of Life

Filling up on fresh fruits and vegetables, along with lean proteins, is a great way to give your body the best shot at preventing a variety of health concerns — including cancer. Staying active, getting about 150 minutes of exercise per week, is another good way to keep your body in fighting condition. Learn more about how to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

If colorectal cancer is found early, it is considered highly curable.

3. Ask Your Doctor if Medication is Right for You

Recent studies have showed that people who regularly take aspirin tend to have fewer instances of colorectal cancer. However, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, are not without their own risks, and the serious side effects include an increased risk of bleeding. Because of the risks involved, do not start an aspirin regimen without speaking to your doctor or health care provider first.

Source: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention