Diet

Being overweight or obese increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. Studies also show that a person’s risk increases when they consume large amounts of processed or red meat and dietary fat, and that it may decrease when the diet includes more fibre. Fibre is found in:

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grain cereals and breads

Choose fruits and vegetables more often.

Try to eat these foods more often, reduce the amount of red meat you eat, and maintain a healthy body weight.

Folate, which is found in green leafy vegetables, in dried beans and in cereals and grain products fortified with folic acid, may help protect the lining of the colon and rectum against the development of colorectal cancer. Some women choose to take folate supplements (usually sold in combination with other B vitamins) to increase their folate levels. Discuss this with your doctor.

Calcium may also help protect both women and men from colorectal cancer. Research is still needed in this area but a large study of women, called the Iowa Women's Health Study, showed a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in those women with the highest intake of calcium. Foods that contain high levels of calcium include dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese; fish (particularly sardines); tofu; calcium-fortified orange juice, soy and rice beverages; and broccoli. Some women also choose to take calcium supplements.

It has also been suggested that vitamin D, which you can get from the sun or in a multivitamin, may reduce a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer, although the evidence is not conclusive.

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The photo on this page is from Title Group Photos, Health Canada, 2000.
© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2000.