Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in women, following breast and lung cancers. It can be a “silent” disease because many people do not develop symptoms until the cancer is difficult to cure. The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable and 90% curable when detected early.

Steps you can take :

Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet and reduce fats.

Consider taking calcium supplements and increasing intake of foods with high levels of vitamins C, A and D.

Avoid becoming overweight.

Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

Avoid salt-cured, pickled, and smoked foods.

If you smoke, quit. Ask a health care provider for help.

Get regular physical activity.

When you turn 50, start getting regular colorectal screening exams. These include yearly rectal exams and stool blood tests, as well as sigmoidoscopy every 5 years and colonoscopy every 10 years. If family members developed cancer at a young age, talk with your health care provier about testing at an earlier age.