Colorectal cancerCancerPreventive care

4 ways to decrease your risk of colon cancer

Having regular screenings is essential for preventing colon cancer, but healthy habits can also lower your risk.


LearnCancerColorectal cancer4 ways to decrease your risk of colon cancer
Eat more vegetables, less red meat
Aim for regular exercise as you are able
Aim to manage your weight
Get enough calcium and vitamin D

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When it comes to preventing colon cancer, which affects the large intestine, screenings are essential. That’s because during a screening test, your healthcare provider (HCP) can detect and remove precancerous growths many years before they may develop into cancer. But scheduling regular screenings isn’t the only way to help lower your risk of colon cancer. There’s plenty of evidence that healthy lifestyle habits—including what you eat and how active you are—can also play an important role. Here are 4 things that may help lower your risk of colon cancer.

Written by Madonna Behen.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.April, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Madonna Behen.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.April, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
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