Is There a Way to Prevent Colon Cancer?

There is no sure prevention, although there is some evidence that a diet high in fiber and low in animal fat might help prevent colorectal cancer.

Exercising and avoiding the use of tobacco products are two other positive habits to adopt. Physical screening through a sigmoidoscope (views the lower colon only) and fecal analysis or a colonoscopy are recommended as the primary screening methods in order to find any problems that may lead to cancer. Many patients prefer to start with a colonoscopy for screening as it provides a more complete view.

• Get screened by having a colonoscopy at age 50
• Get screened at age 40 or before if there is a history of colorectal cancer in your family
• Get screened if you have any change in bowel habits or suffer from ulcerative colitis or any inflammatory bowel disease
• Watch your weight
• Exercise on a regular basis – Exercise has been shown to reduce polyps
• Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, low fat animal protein
• Restrict alcohol to no more than one drink per day
• Don’t use tobacco

Increasing fiber intake with everyone’s busy lifestyles is not always easy. That’s why we provide our patients with a line of high fiber, vegetarian supplements that contain no sugar, starch, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, corn, soy, yeast, wheat, egg, or milk products.

Our patients have found these supplements to be easy and effective in maintaining regularity.*

*These dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.