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In some people it is clear why they developed colorectal cancer – they
inherited it; but, in many people, there is no identifiable cause. Without a
known cause, preventing the disease is tricky business. Research has suggested
that aspirin may help prevent hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC),
or Lynch syndrome, an inherited form of colorectal cancer. It is also
believed that eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, not smoking, and
getting exercise may help prevent colorectal cancer.
How can I protect myself from colorectal cancer?
Diet and exercise. Experts recommend that as an initial step towards
prevention, people concerned about getting colorectal cancer should exercise and
eat right. The National Cancer Institute recommends a low-fat, high-fiber diet
that includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. To
reduce fat in your diet, change your eating and cooking habits. Major sources of
fat are meat, eggs, dairy products, and oils used in cooking and salad
dressings. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, eat more vegetables,
fruits, and whole-grain breads and cereals.
Aspirin. It has been proposed that aspirin may stop cancer cells from
multiplying. In addition, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs,
such as Alleve and Motrin) may reduce the size of polyps in the colon, and
therefore, the risk of colon cancer. But, this belief has not been well
established and the proper dosage needed to create this potentially
risk-reducing effect is not yet known. In addition, not everyone can tolerate
aspirin due to gastrointestinal problems, an increased risk of bleeding,
medication interactions, or other medical problems. If you are at high risk of
developing colon cancer, you should not start taking aspirin until you
discuss it with your doctor.
Recently a new class of NSAID has become available, called COX-2 inhibitors.
These drugs, such as Celebrex, have the same anti-inflammatory and
anti-tumor effects as aspirin, but do not have as many side effects. Celebrex is
approved by the FDA for the treatment of polyps in patients with FAP, but it
does not substitute for surgery.
Screening. Most health problems respond best to treatment when they are
diagnosed and treated as early as possible. To catch any abnormalities or
problems early, you will need regular checkups from your doctor, including a
rectal exam, fecal occult blood test, and possibly a sigmoidoscopy. Screening
recommendations depend upon an individual's risk of colorectal cancer.
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