Prevention

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The most encouraging news about colon and rectal cancer is that you can actually reduce your risk by having regular screenings. That's because with regular screening, you can have polyps removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. You can also protect yourself by making a few simple changes in your diet and lifestyle. The following suggestions may help save your life: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may protect you from cancer. Try to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and to include a variety of produce in your diet. Limit fat, especially saturated fat. People who eat high-fat diets may have a higher rate of colorectal cancer. Be especially careful to limit saturated fats from animal sources such as red meat. Other foods that contain saturated fat include milk, cheese, ice cream, and coconut and palm oils. Try to restrict your total fat intake to about 30 percent of your daily calories, with no more than 10 percent coming from saturated fats. Get your vitamins and minerals. Calcium, magnesium, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and vitamin B-9 may help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Good food sources of calcium include skim or low-fat milk and other dairy products, shrimp, tofu and sardines with the bones. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, peas and beans. Food sources of vitamin B-6 include grains, legumes, peas, spinach, carrots, potatoes, dairy foods and meat. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B-9. It's found in certain foods naturally, including dark leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce, and in legumes, melons, bananas, broccoli and orange juice. Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin, and it's used in fortified breads, cereals and supplements. Eating foods rich in calcium and folic acid can have added benefits for women. If you are pregnant, or think you may become pregnant, getting enough folic acid in your diet reduces the risk of certain birth defects, and calcium helps prevent osteoporosis. Limit alcohol consumption. Consuming moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol — more than one drink a day for women and two for men — may increase your risk of colon cancer. This is particularly true if you have a close relative, such as a parent, child or sibling, with the disease. A drink is a 4- to 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce can of beer, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor. Curbing alcohol consumption can reduce your risk, even if colon cancer runs in your family. Stop smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of colorectal and other cancers. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy body weight. Controlling your weight alone can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. And staying physically active may cut your colon cancer risk in half. Exercise stimulates movement through your bowel and reduces the time your colon is exposed to harmful substances (carcinogens) that may cause cancer. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Talk with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. If you're a woman past menopause, hormone therapy (HT) may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Women who use hormone therapy have a somewhat lower risk of colorectal cancer than women who don't use HT. But, women on hormone therapy who develop colorectal cancer may have a faster growing form of the disease. Also, taking HT as a combination therapy — estrogen plus progestin — can result in serious side effects and health risks. Work with your doctor to discuss the options and decide what's best for you. Consider taking statins for high cholesterol. A study in the May 26, 2005, issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine" found a significantly reduced risk of colorectal cancer in people who had been taking the cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins for five years or more. While the role of statins in the prevention of colorectal cancer needs to be studied further, this may be an added benefit of cholesterol-lowering therapy. More On This Topic Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet Healthy diet decisions: Do you know what to eat? Stop smoking: Strategies to help you quit Coping skills A diagnosis of cancer can be extremely challenging. Even when a full recovery is likely, you may worry about a recurrence of the disease. But no matter what your concerns or prognosis, you're not alone. Here are some strategies and resources that may make dealing with cancer easier: Know what to expect. Find out everything you can about your cancer — the type, stage, your treatment options and their side effects. The more you know, the more active you can be in your own care. In addition to talking with your doctor, look for information in your local library and on reliable Web sites on the Internet. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) answers questions from the public. You can reach NCI at (800) 4-CANCER, or (800) 422-6237. Or contact the American Cancer Society (ACS) at (800) 227-2345. Among the many services the ACS offers is a support program for people with colostomies. Be proactive. Although you may feel tired and discouraged, don't let others — including your family or your doctor — make important decisions for you. It's vital that you take an active role in your treatment. Maintain a strong support system. A growing number of studies show that strong relationships are crucial for surviving cancer. Although friends and family can be your best allies, they sometimes may have trouble dealing with your illness. If so, the concern and understanding of a formal support group or other cancer survivors can be especially helpful. Although support groups aren't for everyone, they can be a good source for practical information. You may also find you develop deep and lasting bonds with people who are going through the same things you are. There are also support groups for the families of cancer survivors. Set reasonable goals. Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. But don't choose goals you can't possibly reach. You may not be able to work a 40-hour week, for example, but you may be able to work at least half-time. In fact, many people find that continuing to work can be helpful. Take time for yourself. Eating well, relaxing and getting enough rest can help combat the stress and fatigue of cancer. Also, plan ahead for the downtimes when you may need to rest more or limit what you do.