What causes colorectal cancer?

The exact cause of most colorectal cancer is unknown, but the known risk factors listed above are the most likely causes. Less than 10 percent of colorectal cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations. People with a family history of colorectal cancer may wish to consider genetic testing. The American Cancer Society suggests that anyone undergoing such tests have access to a physician or geneticist qualified to explain the significance of these test results.

Persons with a family history of colorectal cancer may wish to consider genetic testing. The American Cancer Society suggests that anyone undergoing such tests have access to a physician or geneticist qualified to explain the significance of the results.

Prevention of colorectal cancer:

Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, it is possible to prevent many colon cancers with the following:

• diet and exercise
  It is important to manage the risk factors you can control, such as diet and exercise. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods, and avoiding high-fat, low-fiber foods, plus exercising appropriately, even small amounts on a regular basis, can be helpful.
• drug therapy
  Some studies have shown that low doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, and estrogen replacement therapy for post-menopausal women may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Discuss this with your physician.
• screenings
  Perhaps most important to the prevention of colorectal cancer is having screening tests at appropriate ages. Because some colorectal cancers cannot be prevented, finding them early is the best way to improve the chance of successful treatment, and reduce the number of deaths caused by colorectal cancer.