Prevention of Colorectal Cancer.
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.
Sandler
RS
Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599- 7080.