PROTECTIVE FACTORS
There are 3 types of Protective Factors which can affect your cancer risk.
Established Protective Factors are proven to reduce your risk of getting cancer.
Unknown Protective Factors have not been proven to reduce your risk.
Factors that do not affect your risk of getting colorectal cancer have been proven not to affect your risk.
ESTABLISHED PROTECTIVE FACTOR
Early Detection
Detecting cancer early by screening (such as a Colonoscopy) and polyp removal reduces your risk of getting colorectal cancer.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity most days of the week has been proven to reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer.
Aspirin Regimen
Studies have shown that taking aspirin regularly may reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer.
Hormone Therapy
Regular physical activity most days of the week has been proven to reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer.
UNKNOWN PROTECTIVE FACTORS
THESE HAVE NOT YET BEEN PROVEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING COLORECTAL CANCER:
Calcium supplements
Specific diets
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) other than aspirin
FACTORS THAT DO NOT AFFECT YOUR RISK
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT THESE DO AFFECT THE RISK OF GETTING COLORECTAL CANCER:
Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen only.
Statins