How to prevent colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer prevention involves healthy lifestyle habits and appropriate screening. Identifying and removing polyps before they evolve into cancer is also part of disease prevention.

Why does colonoscopy help prevent colorectal cancer?

Many cases of colorectal cancer develop from precursor lesions that arise in the intestinal wall. Some of these lesions are polyps that can undergo changes over the years.

Colonoscopy allows for the examination of the inside of the large intestine and the identification of these changes. During the procedure, many polyps can be removed and sent for analysis.

The removal of precursor lesions interrupts a possible progression to cancer. For this reason, colonoscopy can act both in early detection and in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy is not the only available screening strategy. Other methods exist, including tests that detect occult blood in the stool. The choice of method depends on individual risk and medical evaluation.

At what age should colorectal cancer screening begin?

For individuals at average risk, different international guidelines recommend initiating colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening from ages 45 to 75 for adults at average risk. Between ages 76 and 85, the decision should be individualized based on health, screening history, and patient characteristics.

The age to begin may differ when risk-increasing factors are present. A family history of colorectal cancer, specific polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases, and hereditary genetic syndromes can modify the follow-up strategy.

Therefore, age alone does not determine when each person should begin investigation.

Does having cases of colorectal cancer in the family increase risk?

Family history can increase the risk of colorectal cancer and modify the recommended age to begin screening.

The degree of kinship, the number of affected family members, and the age at which cancer was diagnosed are important pieces of information. Colorectal cancer diagnosed in a close family member at a young age warrants special attention.

Some families also present hereditary syndromes associated with elevated risk, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis.

When family history suggests increased risk, medical evaluation may indicate earlier screening or genetic investigation in specific situations.

Does diet influence the risk of colorectal cancer?

Dietary patterns are related to the risk of colorectal cancer. Diets with a higher presence of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes are part of the World Cancer Research Fund’s prevention recommendations.

The consumption of processed meats should be limited. Ham, salami, sausage, and other processed products are part of this group.

The World Cancer Research Fund also recommends limiting red meat consumption. Prevention should consider the dietary pattern as a whole, rather than an isolated food.

No specific food alone can prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

Do physical activity and body weight make a difference?

Regular physical activity is part of cancer risk reduction strategies. Excess body fat is associated with a higher risk of different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

Staying physically active and maintaining an appropriate body weight throughout life are recommended preventive measures.

The practice of physical activity should be adapted to clinical conditions, age, and individual capabilities.

Do alcohol and smoking increase the risk of colorectal cancer?

Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. For cancer prevention, reducing alcohol consumption decreases exposure to this risk factor.

Smoking is also linked to colorectal cancer, in addition to various other types of cancer. Not smoking is one of the important measures to reduce tobacco-related risks.

These factors add to other individual characteristics. Prevention should consider the totality of exposures throughout life.

Is it possible to prevent all cases of colorectal cancer?

It is not possible to prevent all cases of colorectal cancer. Age, genetic predisposition, and family history are examples of factors that cannot be modified.

However, there are risk factors that can be reduced and strategies capable of identifying changes before the development of invasive cancer.

Maintaining physical activity, controlling body weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcoholic beverages, and adopting a balanced diet are important measures. Participating in screening indicated for one’s age and individual risk is also part of prevention.

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps should report these antecedents during consultation. Individual evaluation allows for defining when to start screening and which strategy is appropriate for each situation.