title: Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.
abstract: Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease. We currently have the means to substantially decrease the incidence and mortality from this disease; we simply need to implement primary and secondary prevention measures. I encourage patients to eat a diet low in meat and high in vegetables, fruit, and fiber. I also encourage patients to avoid obesity and engage in a regular exercise program. I routinely screen persons at average risk using fecal occult blood tests or flexible sigmoidoscopy after the age of 50 years. Those at higher risk by virtue of family history, a personal history of ulcerative colitis, or previous adenoma should have colonoscopy performed using a schedule tailored to their risk profile.
authors.affiliation: Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599- 7080.
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Sandler