UC Davis Medical Center leads the country with new strategies for treating lung cancer. Medical experts agree that the best way to decrease your chance of developing lung cancer is to quit smoking and reduce your exposure to environmental pollutants. Cancer of the colon and the rectum, called colorectal cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, and it is the third leading cause of death among women. There is a lot of speculation about the cause of colon cancer. Other risk factors could be lifestyle habits and genetic background.
Colorectal cancer tends to run in families.
Rectal bleeding is the most typical early warning sign. Other signs include a persistent change in bowel habits or a marked change in size or shape of the stool, abdominal pain, cramping or weight loss. If you have any of these signs of disease, see your physician right away. Your chance of developing colon cancer may decrease if you eat a diet that is rich in high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Regular exercise and moderate alcohol also reduces your risk.