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Colon and Rectal Cancer
The cause of colon cancer is unknown. Knowing the risk factors for colon cancer is an important step in prevention.
Risk Factors
- A diet that includes foods high in fat, especially from animal sources
- Physical inactivity
- Aging (about 90% of people with colon cancer are over 50)
- Alcohol use and smoking
- A history of intestinal polyps
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- A family history of colon cancer
Prevention
- Schedule a regular colorectal cancer screening after age 50.
- People with a family history of colon cancer or polyps should get screening at age 40 or possibly sooner.
- Eat a low-fat, high fiber diet.
- If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. If you use tobacco, quit.
- Alcohol & tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes 3 to 4 days each week.
- Colorectal cancer can be successfully treated and is often curable when detected early.
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