In this Article

• Introduction to colon cancer prevention
• What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer have proven effectiveness and long term safety?
• What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer probably are effective but may have long term adverse side effects?
• What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer probably are effective and safe?
• What prevention measures have been found to be ineffective?
• What about genetic testing for colon cancer?
• Who should consider genetic counseling and testing?
• Why is genetic counseling and testing important in hereditary colon cancer syndromes?
• What can be done now to prevent colorectal cancer?
• Pictures of Colorectal (Colon) Cancer - Slideshow
• Pictures of Digestive Disease Myths - Slideshow
• Colon Cancer Prevention Glossary
• Colon Cancer Prevention Index

What can be done now to prevent colorectal cancer?

1. Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat and red meat. (This diet also is good for cardio-vascular health.)
2. Take oral calcium supplements and one multivitamin a day that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid. (Calcium supplements also are necessary for maintaining the strength of bones, and folic acid may be good for cardio-vascular health.)
3. Lose excess weight, exercise regularly, and stop smoking cigarettes. (This also is good for cardio-vascular health.)
4. Undergo screening tests for colo-rectal polyps and cancer. (Please visit Colon Cancer: Screening and Surveillance.)
5. If one has family members with numerous colon polyps, early onset of colon cancers or other cancers such as uterine, stomach, thyroid, and ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling and testing.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Colonoscopy - Learn about the colonscopy procedure, what it is, why it is performed, preparation, complications, alternatives and the after effects of the screening exam on MedicineNet.com
• Colon Cancer - Get the facts on colon cancer (colorectal cancer) causes, symptoms, diagnosis (colonoscopy), prevention, treatment, statistics, screening, stages and survival rates.
• Colon Cancer Screening - Colon cancer screening include colonoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and air contrast barium enema.

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