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Reducing Personal Risk

It is estimated that at least 50%–60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.¹ Colorectal cancer screening can find and remove precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer, thereby either preventing the development of cancer or detecting the disease at an early, more treatable stage. Precancerous polyps or growths can be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops.

Some studies suggest that people may reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by increasing physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.^{2 3 4 5 6} CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity supports states by offering programs that promote physical activity and a healthy diet. These programs include Fruits and Veggies – More Matters, which encourages people to eat more fruits and vegetables.

References

¹Selby JV, Friedman GD, Quesenberry CP Jr., Weiss NS. A case control study of screening sigmoidoscopy and mortality from colorectal cancer. New England Journal of Medicine 1992;326(10):653–657.

²National Institutes of Health. Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Prevention.

³Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 6: Weight Control and Physical Activity. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2002.

⁴Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 8: Fruit and Vegetables. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2003.

⁵Curry S, Byers T, Hewitt M, eds. Fulfilling the Potential of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2003.

⁶The health consequences of smoking: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, Ga.: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; Washington, D.C.

Related Materials

For Patients

• Screen for Life Basic Facts on Screening (PDF-314KB) (fact sheet)
• Screen for Life Detailed Facts on Screening (PDF-180KB) (fact sheet)
• Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives (PDF-334KB) (brochure)

For Physicians

• Screen for Life Health Professionals Facts on Screening (PDF-191KB) (fact sheet)