Guest post by Charles H. Baughman, MD

Colorectal cancer can affect anyone – men or women alike – and your risk increases as you age. But some people are at greater risk for the disease.

· People with a personal or family history of benign colorectal polyps.

· People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer.

· People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease -ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s.

· People with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

· People of African American and Hispanic descent, who are often disgnosed at a later stage of the disease.

· Men and women over the age of 50.

6 Steps to Lowering Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer

1. Get regular Colorectal Cancer screenings beginning at age 50. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of another cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, talk to us about earlier screening.

2. Eat between 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day from fruits,vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts and beans.

3. Eat a low-fat diet

4. Eat foods with folate such as leafy green vegetables.

5. If you use alcohol, drink in only in moderation. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. If you use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start.

6. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing steps may help reduce your risk.

Please call Peoria AZ office (623) 977-0955 Toll Free: (866) 569-1092 or E-Mail (mailto:cb@baughmanagemanagement.com) our office for free brochures on Colon Cancer Screening and Colonoscopy.

To learn more, visit the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website at www.fascrs.org or www.preventcancer.org/colorectal or call 1-877-35-COLON. Of course, you can contact our office or visit us on the web at www.BaughmanAgeManagement.com

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month was founded by the Cancer Research Foundation of America in collaboration with the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and the American Digestive Health Foundation.