Reducing your risk for colorectal cancer

A growing number of adults under 50 years old are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Many younger adults don’t consider themselves at risk, since screening for colorectal cancer typically doesn’t start until age 45. No matter your age, there are some steps you can take to avoid developing colon cancer:

• Eat your vegetables and healthy fats. Research has shown that the Western diet correlates to higher colorectal cancer rates. People who eat high-fiber diets are less likely to develop the disease.

• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week.

• Watch your weight.

• Limit alcohol and don’t smoke. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so moderately.

— MAYO CLINIC NEWS NETWORK