Certain risk factors for colon and rectal cancer can’t be changed, such as older age, elements of family and personal history, and certain hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. However, there are a number of steps people can take to reduce their risk, including screening and adjustments in diet and lifestyle.

The most important and effective measure is colon cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, which can detect precancerous growths and remove them to prevent cancer from developing. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women of average colon cancer risk begin screening tests beginning at age 50. Most people who develop colon cancer — but not all — are 50 or older.

For some people it may be advisable to start screening earlier. People at increased risk include those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome.

Lifestyle and Diet

Lifestyle factors that raise the odds of developing colon cancer include obesity and physical inactivity. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce colon cancer risk; exercise, at least 150 minutes a week, can also be protective.

Diets that include a lot of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, as well as less red meat and processed meats, may also help lower the chance of colon and rectal cancer. In particular, people who consume nuts several times a week have been found to have a significantly lower risk of death from all causes, according to recent studies. A new study also found that people with stage 3 colon cancer who regularly ate nuts had a lower risk of cancer recurrence and mortality.

Low-dose aspirin has also been recommended for adults age 50 to 59 who have cardiovascular risk factors to lower the risk of colon cancer, and adults age 60 to 69 should consult with their primary care provider to determine whether they should take aspirin for this purpose.

Colon Cancer in Young Adults

Although most colon and rectal cancer occurs in older people, there has been an increase in the rate of cases in young people, a trend that researchers are still trying to understand. According to a 2015 study in JAMA Surgery, researchers predict colon cancer rates will increase by 90 percent in people ages 20 to 34, and by nearly 28 percent in people 35 to 49 by 2030. A 2017 study from the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute discovered the same pattern.

It isn’t yet known why colon cancer rates are rising in young adults, but there are diet and lifestyle steps young people can take to lower their risk. Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a normal vitamin D level have all been linked to a decreased colorectal cancer risk.

While the symptoms of colon or rectal cancer can be indicative of other conditions, young people should take an active role in their care and discuss any concerns with their doctor, says Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, director of clinical research at Dana-Farber’s Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include constipation, blood in the stool, change in the caliber of the stool, anemia, fatigue, abdominal pain, or nausea.

“Most of the time, patients and doctors attribute the symptoms of colon or rectal cancer in younger people to other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, which are more common than cancer in this age group,” Ng says. “There are no standard guidelines on when you should be tested for cancer as a young adult, so if the symptoms persist or worsen, you should notify your doctor.”

This article was originally published on March 26, 2018, by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is republished with permission.