The most effective risk reduction tool for colorectal cancer is taking routine colorectal screening tests. Screening tests can identify colorectal polyps growths on the lining of the colon and rectum that can become malignant. When discovered through screening tests, these benign polyps can be removed preventing colorectal cancer from ever occurring. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables might help prevent colorectal cancer, and while recent research has found that fruits and vegetables may not prevent colorectal cancer, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides overall health benefits and is still recommended. A single study can not provide conclusive evidence about the value of fruits and vegetables to colorectal cancer prevention.
More research needs to be completed before a definitive answer can be found.
Whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts and beans may also help prevent colorectal cancer. While the cancer-fighting mechanisms in food have not all been pinpointed yet, researchers continue to work on the connection between cancer and what we eat, with promising results. There is also current research underway to determine the connection between folate and colorectal cancer. Folate is a compound found in leafy green vegetables and is often used to fortify some packaged breakfast cereals. Researchers suspect that folate may help stabilize DNA, which appears to become unstable when colorectal cancer occurs.