The steps that could help reduce your colorectal cancer risk are as established as they are beneficial. At some point in our lives, most of us have experienced the scolding that comes with not finishing your vegetables. And who hasn’t been urged to exercise, or make an appointment with the doctor for a check-up? As ingrained as these healthy lifestyle messages are, following them could save your life.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Even though we don’t know the exact cause of most colorectal cancers, it is possible to prevent many cases by following recommended steps and lifestyle changes that can minimize your risk factors a great deal.

Diet: It’s simple...eat lots of fruits and vegetables – at least five servings a day, or more if possible. This can lower your colorectal cancer risk by 40 to 50 percent. Green leafy vegetables like cabbage, roots and bulbs like carrots and onions, legumes, fresh fruits, and whole grains are all packed with vitamins and such nutritious substance that they can reduce your risk and greatly assist in the prevention of colorectal cancer. It’s especially good to eat fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. Their colors are from substances called flavonoids that interfere with the process of developing cancer.

It is also advised to limit intake of high-fat foods such as those from animal sources. If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption. The American Cancer Society recommends you drink no more than one drink per day for women or two per day for men.

Exercise: Start a fitness routine. ACS recommends that you get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week. Physical activity helps speed food through the digestive tract, eliminating any cancer-causing agents in food before they have time to do much damage.

Another important factor to staying physically active is to maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight, ask your doctor about a weight loss plan that will work for you as your risk of dying from colorectal cancer is increased. If you’re at a healthy body weight and are not physically active, you also have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Screening: People who have no identified risk factors (other than age) should begin regular screening at age 50. Keep a lookout for next month’s VOICES for more information on screening guidelines.

Remember...if you eat the right foods, stay physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and talk to your doctor about getting screened at age 50, YOU will help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

Information on prevention, early detection, and treatment of colorectal cancer can be found at www.cancer.org/colon or by calling your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.