Did you know that most colon cancer is largely preventable? Keeping your weight under control, staying active, schedule your regular screening colonoscopy, and eat a healthy diet.

  1. Weight Control - being obese is a risk factor for a number of different types of cancer, including colorectal cancers. It is never too late to start, losing weight will always give a variety of health benefits.
  2. Stay Active - this doesn't just mean hitting the gym a couple of times per week. Studies show that if you are in good shape, exercise regularly, but sit all day at a desk you have an increased risk of colon cancer. Get up from your desk at regular intervals, move around, stand while taking phone calls - just get up out of your seat.
  3. Schedule your colonoscopy - screening tests are the best way to to avoid developing colon cancer. Doctors look for, and remove if found, small polyps before they become cancerous. Everyone should have a screening at the age of 50; exceptions are: African Americans should be screened at age 45 and if you have a family history or personal history of colon cancers or polyps you should follow your doctor's recommendations for appropriate screening age and intervals.
  4. Eat a healthy diet - low fat/high fiber diets rich in a vegetables of a variety of colors - emphasize the dark green leafy vegetables with plenty of red, orange and yellow thrown in for good measure. Eat healthy fats in limited portions; like olive oil and avocados. For example, a serving size for an avocado is 1/8 - 1/4 of a medium sized fruit. So a bowl full of guacamole and a bag of chips should not be considered a health food. Also, limit alcohol, red meat, and heavily charred foods.