Prevention

It pays to have a healthy lifestyle

While screening is the most important step you can take to prevent colorectal cancer, it’s not the only one.

Reducing your colorectal cancer risk

While colorectal cancer can be both genetic and random in nature, there are several proven ways you can reduce your chances of getting this common cancer.

- Diets high in red meat have been linked to colorectal cancer. Try to keep your red meat intake to 18 ounces per week or less.
- Processed meats should be avoided if possible. These meats include hot dogs, ham, bacon, and sausage. Cancer risk increases even with low consumption.
- Diets high in vegetables, fruits and other plant foods reduce risk for many diseases, including colorectal cancer.
- Plant foods contain lots of dietary fiber and nutrients, and are good sources of substances called phytochemicals, which help protect cells in the body from damage that can lead to cancer.
- Increasing your physical activity can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by 30 to 40 percent.
- 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day is needed to protect against colorectal cancer.
- Exercise also helps you to maintain a healthy body weight, which reduces your risk for colorectal cancer.
- Studies show people who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop colon polyps, a possible precursor to cancer.
- Although modest amounts of some alcohols have been linked to protecting against coronary heart disease, alcohol is known to increase cancer risk.
- According to the National Cancer Institute, people who regularly drink 3.5 drinks per day have 1.5 times the risk of developing colorectal cancer as nondrinkers or occasional drinkers. If you do chose to drink, try to limit your consumption.
- Long-term cigarette smoking is also associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. The longer a person smokes, the greater the risk
- A family history of colorectal cancer puts you at an increased risk for the disease.
- A family history is considered to be an immediate family member (parent, brother or sister) or multiple family members with colorectal cancer or polyps.
- If you have a family history, you may need to be screened at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest case in your immediate family, whichever is earlier.
- Talk to your family about their health history!

Don't be a couch potato!

Timely screening is the #1 way to reduce your risk for colon cancer, but did you know there are a number things you can do right at home?

Prevent colorectal cancer with lifestyle changes

Top resources

View all resources

Alliance Launches “Screen Smart” To Make Lifesaving Cancer Screenings Easier for Everyone

The Screen Smart initiative brings together insights from medical experts, researchers, and advocates to make colorectal cancer screening decisions easier for both patients and healthcare providers.

Last updated May 7, 2025

The United States Supreme Court building.

Supreme Court to rule on preventive CRC screening

An unfavorable ruling by the court could undermine screening prevention, allowing insurers to charge patients for potentially lifesaving services.

Last updated Apr 21, 2025

Alliance Survey Reveals Disparities in Minorities that Could Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk

Minority groups are significantly less aware that colorectal cancer is often not detected until the late stages due to mild symptoms.

Last updated Apr 1, 2025

It pays to have a healthy lifestyle

Eat well

Get your exercise

Avoid alcohol & cigarettes

Know your family health history

Don't be a couch potato!

Your family history

Alliance Launches “Screen Smart” To Make Lifesaving Cancer Screenings Easier for Everyone

Supreme Court to rule on preventive CRC screening

Alliance Survey Reveals Disparities in Minorities that Could Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk