Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Executive Summary

Some primary preventive measures are considered essential to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Some common preventive measures for colorectal cancer include removal of polyps during a colonoscopy, recommendation of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the development of polyps, and choice of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat can help lessen the risk of colorectal cancer. Individuals who take calcium and vitamin D supplements have a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Prevention from Colorectal Cancer

Different factors can cause different types of cancer. Researchers continue to determine what factors cause colorectal cancer, including its prevention. Although there is no proven way to prevent colorectal cancer completely, you can probably lower your risk ​1​. Talk with the health care team for more information about your risk of colorectal cancer.

Polyp removal during a colonoscopy may help prevent colorectal cancer, as detailed above. This process allows the doctor to look inside the large intestine to see for and eliminate polyps that could turn into cancer.

The below-mentioned may also lower a person’s risk of colorectal cancer:

  • Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Some studies showed that aspirin and other NSAIDs could probably reduce the development of polyps in people with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps. However, regular use of NSAIDs may cause significant side effects, like bleeding of the lining of the stomach and blood clots leading to stroke or heart attack. Taking aspirin or other NSAIDs is not an alternative or substitute for having regular colorectal cancer screenings ​2​. People should talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of taking aspirin regularly.
  • Food choices and supplements: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat can help lessen the risk of colorectal cancer. Some studies have found that people who take calcium and vitamin D supplements have a lower risk of colorectal cancer ​3​.

References

  1. 1.
    Hou N, Huo D, Dignam J. Prevention of colorectal cancer and dietary management. Chin Clin Oncol. 2013;2(2):13. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2304-3865.2013.04.03
  2. 2.
    Baron JA, Cole BF, Sandler RS, et al. A Randomized Trial of Aspirin to Prevent Colorectal Adenomas. N Engl J Med. Published online March 6, 2003:891-899. doi:10.1056/nejmoa021735
  3. 3.
    Lipkin M, Newmark H. Effect of Added Dietary Calcium on Colonic Epithelial-Cell Proliferation in Subjects at High Risk for Familial Colonic Cancer. N Engl J Med. Published online November 28, 1985:1381-1384. doi:10.1056/nejm198511283132203