Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women each year in the
United States. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in both men and women. The good news is it can often be cured when found early. Here are six ways to lower your risk:
- Get screened. Early detection is so important. Depending on several risk factors, the American Cancer Society recommends testing begin at age 45. Need to know when to screen? Learn more about screening guidelines and talk to your healthcare provider about which tests might be right for you.
- Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats).
- Get regular exercise. Being more active may help reduce your risk. Learn more about how to meet diet and exercise goals at cancer.org/foodandfitness.
- Take control of your weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of getting and dying from colon or rectal cancer.
- Don’t smoke. Long-term smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop and die from colon or rectal cancer. If you want to quit smoking or know someone who does, see the American Cancer Society’s guide to quitting tobacco, or call  1-800-227-2345.
- Limit alcohol. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. A single drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).
Are you or a loved one fighting cancer? No one should fight alone. Get support through Gilda’s Club.