Prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer

Adherence to a low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular screening to detect and identify polyps at an early, more treatable stage may reduce deaths from colorectal cancer. Patients should be told that they can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by increasing their intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals and decreasing their intake of fat. Although scientific controversy exists regarding the specific methods and intervals of screening for colorectal cancer, family physicians should adopt a regular approach to screening in their patients. In adults 50 years of age or older, annual fecal occult blood testing is recommended. If positive results are obtained, follow-up examination should be performed with either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy plus air-contrast barium enema. Persons between 50 and 75 years of age may also benefit from screening with flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopic examination every three to five years.