Colon cancer is almost 100% preventable. Here’s what to do.

With an uptick in screenings in recent years, improved technology, and better all-around awareness, colon cancer has become more preventable than ever before. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about colon cancer prevention.

How important are screenings?

The importance of screenings cannot be stressed enough. It can make all the difference in catching risk factors and other early signs of colon cancer. Screenings are how doctors find polyps, and polyps are what can turn into cancer.

How do I decide which type of screening is right for me?

A few types of colon cancer screenings are available. Here’s an overview of three common tests. Talk with your doctor about which is the best option for you.

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT), done every 1-3 years, depending on the individual:

• No prep is required for this at-home test.
• You provide a stool sample.
• You use a small brush to swab your stool, then smear some on the sample card.
• Pack the test up in the envelope that’s provided and send it to the lab.
• The test is looking for blood in your stool. If blood is present, your next step will be a colonoscopy.

Stool DNA, done every 3 years:

• No prep is required for this at-home test.
• You collect a stool sample in a container that’s provided and send the container to the lab.
• The test is looking for DNA changes and blood in your stool. The results will reveal whether you need a colonoscopy.

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Colonoscopy, done every 5 to 10 years: 

• Preparation is pretty involved. It includes a low-fiber diet for a few days, then switching to clear liquids only.
• You’ll also drink a laxative formula — half of it the night before and then half the day of the test. This is to clean out your colon so the doctor can see the lining.
• This test happens outside of the home, at a testing center. This might be your doctor’s office or a surgery center.
• Your doctor will examine your intestine by threading a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached into your rectum.
• The test is looking for polyps (clusters of cells). If any are found, the doctor can remove them during the procedure.
• Your doctor will advise you of any next steps, if necessary.

What are polyps?

Polyps are small clumps of cells. They are found on the lining of the colon. Polyps can be benign, precancerous, or cancerous. But the good news is that they can be removed early.

How does my family’s health history affect my chances of getting colon cancer?

While colorectal cancer can happen to anyone, your chances of a diagnosis increase if there are any of the following in your family:

• The presence of Lynch syndrome, also called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
• A grandparent, parent or sibling with a colorectal cancer diagnosis
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This is a rare hereditary disorder that includes the extensive formation of benign polyps in the colon and rectum

What kind of diet should I follow for colon cancer prevention?

A high-fiber, low-fat diet is best for colon cancer prevention. There are many foods you should eat regularly, as well as some you should cut back on or avoid altogether.

Make sure you’re getting plenty of the following foods:

• Fruits and veggies: High in antioxidants, colorful fruits and vegetables help get rid of cancer-causing free radicals.
• Yogurt: Chock full of good bacteria, yogurt is great for gut health. It will increase your calcium intake as well.
• Whole grains: Eating whole grains whenever possible is a great way to up your fiber intake and to help keep you regular.

And cut back on — or remove — the following foods from your diet:

• Alcohol: More than two drinks per day increases your risk of colon cancer.
• Red meat: High levels of heme iron — which could be a source of carcinogenic compounds — are present in red meat.
• Processed meats: The link between processed meats and colon cancer is pretty direct. This is mainly due to the nitrates in processed meats, which are added during curing. Nitrates react with meat’s amino acids in a way that creates nitrosamines, which may cause cancer.

Does exercise help with colon cancer prevention?

Absolutely. When you work out, your body can digest food more quickly. This means your colon spends less time exposed to anything that may cause cancer. Exercise also helps you stay more regular. If you haven’t worked out regularly in a while, check with your doctor before you start.