Prevention of colorectal
cancer includes:
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid exposure to secondary smoke.
- Eat a healthy heart diet
- Calcium supplements
- As directed by your doctor
- Some studies have shown that a daily dose of vitamin D may help cut the risk for colon cancer:
- The Institute of Medicine recommends 200 IU daily for children and adults up to age 50, and 400 IU for adults aged 51-70; people over age 70 should get 600 IU daily.
- Weight loss if you are overweight
- Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for daily aspirin therapy:
- Some studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of colon polyps in those who have previously had colon cancer.
Early detection strategies are considered to be very important:
- Annual digital rectal examination if you are over 40 years old
- Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy every 3-5 years if you are over the age of 50
