How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It affects men and women at equally frequent rates. The Native American population continues to experience some of the highest rates of colorectal cancer despite the fact that it is highly preventable. Here is what you need to know about being proactive when it comes to colorectal cancer.

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

About 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are preventable. In addition to regular colorectal cancer screenings, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. The following is recommended:

• Eat a well-balanced diet.

• Reduce unhealthy fats in your diet, particularly animal fat.

• Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise regularly.

• Do not smoke.

Regular colorectal screening can save lives! There are 2 different types of screenings.

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) - A Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) looks for blood in the stool, and is recommended annually. Polyps bleed more than normal tissue and these tiny amounts of blood can be detected by a test called a hemocult. The Public Health Program encourages Hemish women and men between the ages of 45- 74 to get a FIT screening annually.

• Colonoscopy- This is an exam of the entire colon and rectum that is recommended every five to 10 years or when the fecal occult blood test or sigmoidoscopy is positive.

Consult with your Primary Care Provider to help determine which colorectal cancer screening test and frequency are best for you. You can obtain FIT kit by calling the Public Health Program at 575-834-7207.

Having regular screening is important because most people with early-stage colorectal cancer do not experience any symptoms, and most often, people do not seek medical attention until it is in its later and more fatal stages. Your health is important! Call your Primary Care Provider or the Public Health Program to learn how you can obtain your free FIT kit and get screened today!