Who is at risk?
Colorectal cancer can occur at younger ages, but statistically, there is a significant increase beginning at age 50
Who is at higher risk?
People of any age who have a personal history including:
- Colorectal polyps
- Colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
People of any age who have a
family history including:
- Colorectal ployps
- Colorectal cancer
- Familiar adenomatus polyps (FAP)
- Hereditary non-polypsis colon cancer (HNPCCP)
Is there anything that can help lower the risk for colorectal cancer?
- Begin regular screening at age 50. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and whether there may be a need for earlier screening. Remember—screening for colorectal cancer does save lives!
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Eat whole grain foods.
- Reduce the fat in your diet.
- Exercise! Ask your doctor about a personal exercise program.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Don’t smoke!
- Maintain your suggested body weight. (Ask your doctor about weight guidelines.