How to prevent colorectal cancer?
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown in most patients. However, there are some risk factors known to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The risk of developing this potentially fatal tumour can be decreased by both primary and secondary prevention.
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Primary prevention
Primary prevention of cancer is aimed at the reduction in incidence rate of malignant tumours. This consists in the reduction or even elimination of risk factors which have a demonstrable and direct impact on the development of malignant tumours.
Adherence to the following recommendations contributes not only to colorectal cancer prevention, but other types of cancer as well. These recommendations are based on the findings of the WCRF/AICR report from 2007, entitled Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective [1].
If you want to lower your risk of developing cancer, you should adhere to the following rules:
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Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
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Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
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Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (foods high in fats and/or added sugars and/or low in fibre) and avoid sugary drinks.
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Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, and pulses such as beans.
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Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.
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If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.
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Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
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Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer.
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It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.
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After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.
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Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention of cancer is aimed at the detection of malignant tumours at early, completely curable stages. In case of colorectal cancer, secondary prevention consists in colorectal cancer screening, which can be summarised in a few general recommendations.
- You can also try our interactive guide to colorectal cancer screening, which will help to choose the most appropriate screening method for you.
Reference
- World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research. Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective. Washington DC: AICR, 2007. Available from WWW: http://www.dietandcancerreport.org/cancer_resource_center/downloads/Second_Expert_Report_full.pdf
Last updated on 12 January 2015