There are simple changes you can take to reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer.
In fact, some of these changes are relatively simple, and can make a real difference. For example:
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables so that you are getting the recommended five servings each day. This can reduce the risk by 5.6 to 6.6 percent.
- Limiting your intake of alcohol to only two or three drinks each day can reduce your risk by 5.3 percent if you are a man. Since women are generally lighter drinkers to begin with, they only decrease their risk by 1.4 percent.
- Exercise makes a difference: cut your risk by 2.4 to 2.7 percent by getting in 30 minutes of activity five times a week.
- Men can reduce their risk by decreasing the amount of red meat they eat, perhaps as much as 13.7 percent. Women generally eat less red meat, so while reducing that intake makes a difference for them as well, it would not be as substantial.
Maintaining a healthy weight, and losing weight if you are overweight, also makes a difference. These changes will improve your overall health as well as reduce your chances of having colorectal cancer.
