10 Tips to Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Dennis Smith, age 60, is very lucky. After his wife urged him to have a routine colonoscopy, he was shocked to find that he had a huge polyp that was going to require removing part of his colon.

He was referred to UCLA where instead of surgery, doctors performed a cutting-edge technique which combines laparoscopy with a colonoscopy and has only been done at a few centers around the country. The team was able to remove the polyp minimally-invasively.

"Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death, but it can be prevented with early screening or cured with early detection," said Dr. Yoo, assistant professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, who performed the new combined procedure with UCLA gastroenterologist Dr. Eric Esrailian.

Here's what you can do to improve your colon health.

1. Receive regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50 if you are at normal risk.
2. If you are at higher risk due to a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, other cancers or inflammatory bowel disease talk to your doctor about screenings before age 50.
3. Eat between 25 and 30 grams of fiber each day -- from fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts and beans.
4. Eat a low-fat diet. Colorectal cancer has been associated with diets high in saturated fat.
5. Eat foods with folate, such as leafy green vegetables.
6. Drink alcohol in moderation and quit smoking. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
7. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days a week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing stairs may help reduce your risk.
8. Report to your doctor any persistent symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, weight loss, narrower-than-usual stools, abdominal pains or other gastrointestinal complaints.
9. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
10. For more information, please visit the Web site of the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org.