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Patient Education

Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening

Related Conditions
Colon Cancer
Rectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. More than 148,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year and more than 56,000 people will die from this disease.

Colorectal cancer, which affects men and women at equally frequent rates, develops from precancerous growths called polyps. Removing these polyps is the most effective way to prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

Screening

If you don't have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, the following is recommended for patients age 50 and older:

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test This test, which looks for blood in the stool, is recommended annually. Polyps bleed more than normal tissue and these tiny amounts of blood can be detected by a test called hemocult.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy This is an exam of the lower section of the colon and rectum, where most polyps and cancers are located. This test is recommended every five years.
  • Colonoscopy This an exam of the entire colon and rectum that is recommended every five to 10 years or when the fecal occult blood test or sigmoidoscopy is positive.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy before age 50.

Prevention

About 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are thought to be preventable. In addition to regular colorectal cancer screenings, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

To prevent colorectal cancer, the following is recommended:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Reduce the fat you consume, particularly animal fat.
  • Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Take a low dose aspirin a day. Aspirin can reduce the development of polyps, particularly in patients with previous history of polyps or colorectal cancer.
  • Take calcium supplements. Researchers believe calcium decreases the growth rate of polyps.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

Behavior Modification Ideas for Weight Management

Weight management involves adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a knowledge of nutrition, exercise, and a positive attitude. Learn more here.

Guidelines for Losing Weight

Since food equals calories, in order to lose weight you must either eat fewer calories, exercise more to burn off calories with activity, or both. Learn more.

Guidelines for a Low Cholesterol, Low Saturated Fat Diet

Check out these guidelines for a low cholesterol, low saturated fat diet including how to choose meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables and more.

Healthier Fast Food

Fast food is easy and tasty, but it is often high in calories, fat and sodium. These things can be bad for you in large amounts. Learn more here.

Recipe Modification Ideas for Low Cholesterol, Low Saturated Fat Diet

Trying to lower your cholesterol? Use these recipe modifications and substitutions to significantly lower the cholesterol and fat content of standard meals.

Related clinics

Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center in Berkeley

See all five of our Bay Area locations and learn about the program.

Center for Colorectal Surgery

Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

See both of our San Francisco locations and learn about the center.

(415) 885-3606

Attention: Masks On!

If you're a patient or visitor in one of our hospitals or clinics, you're required to wear a mask indoors.

Did you know?

At UCSF Health, we believe a malaria-free world is possible within a generation. We're partnering with countries and regions, as well as organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Google, to use technology, machine learning and health care innovations to shrink the malaria map.

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