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

Katie Couric reclines confidently on a hospital bed wearing a denim jacket over patterned hospital pants, in a brightly lit medical setting with monitors and IV equipment visible in the background, promoting colon cancer screening awareness.

Katie Couric Joins the Colorectal Cancer Alliance To ‘LEAD FROM BEHIND’

Katie Couric joins the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort to expand LEAD FROM BEHIND, a star-powered campaign breaking stigma and urging lifesaving colon cancer screening. Colon cancer is the preventable cancer.

Last updated Sep 25, 2025

20+ Colorectal Cancer Alliance Screen Smart Partners Encourage Secretary Kennedy to Uphold USPSTF Goal to Improve Health

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance and more than 20 Screen Smart partners urge HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to protect USPSTF’s evidence-based process and no-cost preventive screenings like colorectal cancer screening, which save lives and improve national health.

Last updated Aug 1, 2025

A smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair stands in a stone archway, wearing a white tank top and sunglasses resting on her head. A blurred cityscape and greenery are visible in the background, suggesting a scenic viewpoint.

Meredith’s legacy: A family’s mission to save lives

After losing their sister Meredith to colorectal cancer, Kathryn and Abigail are turning grief into advocacy. Their powerful story highlights the urgent need for CRC awareness and action — especially among young adults who are facing rising rates of this disease.

Last updated Jul 22, 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

Katie Couric Joins the Colorectal Cancer Alliance To ‘LEAD FROM BEHIND’

20+ Colorectal Cancer Alliance Screen Smart Partners Encourage Secretary Kennedy to Uphold USPSTF Goal to Improve Health

Meredith’s legacy: A family’s mission to save lives