Colorectal Polyps

Home » Colorectal Polyps » Prevention

Prevention

Colorectal polyps are common in people over the age of 50. They cannot be prevented in all cases. The following measures can help prevent intestinal polyps from developing and lower the risk for colorectal cancer:

• Avoid smoking
• Drink alcohol only in moderation
• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet (e.g., limit red meat; eat plenty of fruits and vegetables)
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy body weight

The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening for adults at average risk for developing colorectal cancer, beginning at the age of 50:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) every year, or
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or


Advertising Disclaimer
• FOBT or iFOBT every year plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
• Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years, or
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

Patients who are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (e.g., those with a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps) should be screened more often.

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Colorectal Polyps Resources

	Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your GI Condition The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make decisions about your gi condition. Print this free handout to take with you on your next office visit.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Join Our Colorectal Polyps Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer