How to Keep Your Colon Healthy

Physician examines oversized colon with giant magnifying glass, with report in foreground

Colon Cancer Screenings: When To Start

If you’re at average risk, it’s recommended that you get your first colonoscopy at age 45

Reduce your risk

Older man and younger man talking over coffee at a cafe
Is Colon Cancer Hereditary?

Knowing your family history and getting a genetic test can help detect colorectal cancer earlier

patient in doctor's office clutches stomach while provider takes notes
What You Can Do To Catch Colon Cancer Early

Know your risks for this highly preventable disease

two people standing at standing work desks
Can Sitting Too Much Increase Your Cancer Risk?

Studies show the high health cost of spending hours in a chair

person on couch wincing, holding hands over abdomen
Colon Cancer in Young Adults: An Alarming Trend

A steady increase in cases in those younger than 50 started decades ago

colon cancer screenings
How To Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Regular screenings starting at age 45 help lower your risk

smiling healthcare provider speaking with smiling patient
Here’s Why Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Increase Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Chronic inflammation from flare-ups can damage the lining of your intestinal wall, making your colon more vulnerable to cancer

Screening options

An illustrated person holds up a magnifying glass to a graphic of someone's intestines.
Which Colorectal Cancer Screening Method Is Right for You?

Colonoscopy is most common, but there are other options, too

An illustration of a doctor holding an image of a colon
Fretting About Colonoscopy? New Prep Is Easier to Swallow

Improved prep taste, timing make for a better experience

At-home stool test sample and report generated
Is an At-Home Colon Cancer Test Worth Trying?

At-home screening options can be good detection tools, but a colonoscopy remains the gold standard

Healthcare provider in surgical gloves and gown holding endoscope
Colorectal Cancer Screenings: Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy vs. Sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies are types of endoscopies, procedures that look at the health of your large intestine

Polyps 101

colonoscopy finding a polyp
Do You Need Surgery To Remove Large Colorectal Polyps?

Larger polyps can be difficult to remove, but there are options

colon polyps size and shape
How Colon Polyp Size, Shape and Growth Pattern Affect Cancer Risk

Not all polyps turn into cancer, but they should all be removed

Doctor holding a model of a colon with patient
How Long Does It Take Colon Cancer To Grow?

It’s a slow-moving process that offers an opportunity for early detection and treatment

Eat right

Baked salmon with a salad on the side plated on an individual clay platter.
What To Eat To Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Get lots of fiber, cut back on red meat and limit your alcohol intake

A bowl of high fiber lentil salad
31 High-Fiber Foods You Should Be Eating

From blackberries to barley, healthy high-fiber foods are plentiful

Resources