Contact Us

Public Health
Seattle & King County
401 5th Ave., Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone: 206-296-4600
TTY Relay: 711

Toll-free: 800-325-6165

Click here to email us

Public Records Requests

Instructions to submit a Public Records Request

Prevent Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Prevention logo The best way to prevent colon cancer is colon health screening. Eating a healthy diet, getting more physical activity, and stopping smoking can also help you stay healthy.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is a delicious way to help prevent colon and other types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables are full of cancer-fighting nutrients and fiber. Try to eat at least 5 servings every day. Learn more about healthy food choices and healthy recipe ideas.

Move more

Physical activity can help prevent colon cancer. It can also help you:

  • sleep better
  • have more energy
  • improve your mood

Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity, like walking or gardening, every day. It's fine to spread the minutes out during the day. Find out about local physical activity programs for all ages and interests and get other useful activity tips.

"Screening is one part of prevention; fruits and vegetables and physical activity will help you stay healthy and feel better."

Michael Erickson, MD
Seattle Indian Health Board

Group exercise session

Stop smoking

Smoking increases your risk of colon cancer. Your risk of cancer goes down as soon as you stop smoking. If you smoke, find help and quit. For help to quit smoking call the Tobacco Quitline 1-800 QUITNOW or visit the Tobacco Prevention Program website.

"People care about you - colon health screening is an important part of staying healthy."

Charissa Fotinos, MD, Medical Director
Public Health - Seattle & King County

For more information about colon cancer:

  • American Cancer Society
    1-800-ACS-2345 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
    Information about cancer, support programs and services, treatment options, and prevention. Asian language and Spanish information and resources.

  • C3 Colorectal Cancer Coalition
    Colorectal Cancer Coalition is a national organization whose mission is to eliminate suffering and death due to colon and rectal cancer through advocacy.

  • Colorectal CareLine
    1-866-657-8634
    Patient Advocate Foundation's Colorectal CareLine is a patient/provider hotline designed to provide assistance to patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and are seeking education and access to care.

  • National Cancer Institute�19; s Cancer Information Service
    1-800-4-CANCER
    TTY 1-800-332-8615

    Information about cancer, treatment, research, and news. Live help for general cancer questions or assistance in navigating NCI Web sites is available Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Eastern Time.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Colon cancer Information and education materials.

  • Tribal Connections
    Native American/Alaska Native cancer information and resources.

  • Colon Cancer Alliance
    Support and information for people touched by colon cancer.

  • Community Health Access Program
    Free and confidential help finding affordable:
    • Health care or insurance
    • Health-screening services
    • Doctors, dentists, midwives or nurses
    • Medical clinics with sliding fees
    • Support services