Can colon polyps and colorectal cancer be prevented?

Can colon polyps and colorectal cancer be prevented?

You may be able to reduce the risk of developing polyps if you:

• Avoid excess alcohol and do not smoke tobacco.
• Lose any extra weight to normalize your body mass index.
• Exercise—including at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and 2 sessions of muscle strengthening per week.
• Eat at least 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
• Avoid fatty and processed foods and red meat in excess.
• Low-dose aspirin every day has been shown to decrease colorectal polyps and cancer. Aspirin can have side effects. The use, risks and benefits of aspirin should be discussed with your doctor.