There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer. Few Americans know that colorectal cancer may be preventable. Exercise may help reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. A low-fat diet, high in vegetables and fruits, and exercise may help. Take a multivitamin with folic acid, calcium and vitamin D. Don't smoke and drink only in moderation, if at all.
Colorectal cancer is usually curable when detected early.
But only 37 percent of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this stage. The remaining 63 percent of patients come to the health care provider when the disease has spread regionally or to distant parts of the body. Screening is necessary for individuals who have symptoms. Since symptoms of colorectal cancer are often silent, it is important to obtain regular screenings. Screening is testing for a disease even if the patient has no symptoms.