Your lifestyle can affect your risk for colorectal cancer as well as many other cancers. By eating healthy, being active, and getting screened regularly, you can reduce your risk for colorectal cancer—the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Here are tips from the Cancer Research Foundation of America on how you can reduce your risk for this disease:

Get screened regularly.
Colorectal screening tests can identify colorectal polyps that can become malignant. Removing benign polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Three tests used for colorectal screening include fecal-occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Ask your doctor about the screening options and which one is right for you.

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans.
Research suggests a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will reduce your risk for colorectal cancer.

Exercise regularly.
Some research has shown that regularly exercise may help to reduce the formation of colorectal polyps.

Don’t smoke.
Recent studies have shown that using tobacco may significantly increase your risk for developing colorectal cancer as well as several other cancers.

Drink alcohol in moderation.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol use may increase your risk for colorectal cancer.

Source: Cancer Research Foundation of America, www.preventcancer.org.