1. Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Dennis Lee, MD

Dennis Lee, MD

Dr. Lee was born in Shanghai, China, and received his college and medical training in the United States. He is fluent in English and three Chinese dialects. He graduated with chemistry departmental honors from Harvey Mudd College. He was appointed president of AOA society at UCLA School of Medicine. He underwent internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

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?
• Find a local Gastroenterologist in your town
• 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.