• Get screened for colorectal cancer.
Early screening can look for colon or rectal cancer before signs and symptoms develop; it will also make treatments more likely to succeed.

• Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Diets that include lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon or rectal cancer, while red meat and processed meats have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

• Get regular exercise.
If you are not physically active, you may have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. Being more active may help reduce your risk.

• Take control of your weight.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of getting and dying from colon or rectal cancer. Eat healthy and increase your physical activity to help control your weight.

• Don’t smoke.
Long-time smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop and die from colon or rectal cancer.

• Avoid alcohol.
Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. If you must drink alcohol, drink moderately.