A risk factor is a condition or behavior that can increase the chances for getting a disease or serious medical disorder. See this NetWellness feature for more information on Risk Factors for Colon Cancer.

What You Can Do

1. Get regular colorectal screening tests beginning at age 50. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, you may need to be tested earlier and should talk with your health care professional about when. If you are African American, you may need screening at an even earlier age.

2. Maintain a healthy weight by eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts and beans.

3. If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation.

4. If you use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start.

5. Exercise moderately for 30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week. Try walking, gardening, climbing steps, or any activity that burns 150 calories of energy a day.

Educate yourself and the ones you love

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, founded by the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation. Colorectal cancer is preventable, and is easy to treat and often curable when detected early. Talk with your health care professional about colorectal cancer today.

This content was taken directly from the 2007 NCRCAM Tool Kit and was adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2007.

More features about colon cancer:

• Colon Cancer Overview
• About the Colon and Rectum
• Colorectal Cancer: Myths and Realities
• Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
• Symptoms, Tests, and Staging of Colon Cancer
• Screening for Colon Cancer
• Screen Out Colon Cancer in Women
• Colon Cancer and African Americans
• Colon Cancer: Choosing a Doctor and What to Ask
• 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer

For more information:

Go to the Colon Cancer health topic.