Is it possible to prevent the occurrence of colorectal cancer? Yes, in part. In fact, like most types of cancer, it is due to factors we can control and others we cannot act on.
This is the status of age (“9 out of 10 affected people are over 50 years old,” the National Cancer Institute notes), family predisposition (a family history of colon or rectal cancer increases risk) or having a disease that affects the intestines, such as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
On the contrary, other factors that favor the occurrence of this type of cancer and that are related to lifestyle have been clearly identified. That is, to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, it is recommended to take several preventive measures.
Cut down on alcohol, stop smoking
The combination of alcohol and tobacco doubles the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 8.6, notes the High Authority for Health. Therefore, smoking cessation and limited consumption of alcoholic beverages are recommended to prevent colorectal cancer, as well as other types of cancer.
In France, tobacco causes 68,000 new cases and 45,000 deaths each year, according to INCa in 2020. Alcohol consumption is responsible for 28,000 new cases and 16,000 deaths each year.
Less meat and charcuterie, more fiber
Food also plays an important role: according to the HAS, consuming more than 100 grams of red meat per day increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 29%.
This risk increases by 21% if you consume more than 50 grams of deli meat per day. It is therefore advisable to take care to limit the consumption of these foods – especially when they are greasy and salty – and to choose a diet rich in fiber.
Eating whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables on a daily basis appears to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
More physical activity
Physical inactivity is another risk factor that can be acted upon with convincing results. Thus, compared to people who do not engage in any physical activity, “the percentage risk of developing colon cancer (…) varies from 18% [pour une activité physique modérée à régulière] at 29% [pour une activité physique intense] “Has remember.
This reduction in risk may be explained in particular by the acceleration of intestinal transit induced by physical activity, which would reduce “the exposure time of the gastrointestinal mucosa to carcinogens of food origin”.
Observing these recommendations can also contribute to reducing weight gain, which is also a risk factor for colorectal cancer.
Finally, prevention also includes participation in the annual disease screening campaign, aimed at people between the ages of 50 and 74, which takes place every year throughout the month of March.
